SANTA ANA, Calif. – A drunken driver was sentenced today to four years in state prison for causing a rollover crash that killed a bicyclist. Dominic Devin Carratt, 20, Dana Point, pleaded guilty on Feb. 9, 2016, to one felony count of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence while intoxicated, one felony count of driving under the influence of alcohol causing bodily injury, one felony count of driving with a blood alcohol of .08 percent or more causing bodily injury, and a sentencing enhancement for great bodily injury. Carratt was ordered to pay restitution and his license will be suspended for three years after his release.

At approximately 11:15 p.m. on April 29, 2014, Carratt was driving his Acura Sedan, with a passenger inside, at a high rate of speed while under the influence of alcohol. Carrat was speeding southbound on Pacific Coast Highway in Dana Point near the intersection of Shoreline Drive, took a slight left turn, and lost traction of his vehicle.

Carratt lost control of his vehicle and continued through the turn for approximately 200 feet before the rear of his vehicle struck 39-year-old Haitham Gamal, who was legally riding his bicycle southbound on Pacific Coast Highway. The defendant dragged the victim with the car for approximately 500 feet before hitting a curb at the intersection of Golden Lantern Drive, which overturned his vehicle, and ejected the victim.

Paramedics arrived and pronounced the victim dead at the scene. The defendant and his passenger were taken to the hospital to be treated for minor injuries. Carratt had a blood alcohol concentration of .15 percent while at the hospital.

The Orange County Sheriff's Department investigated this case and arrested the defendant on July 8, 2015.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Mark Birney of the Homicide Unit prosecuted this case.

Orange County District Attorney / Case # 15HF0702 / March 4, 2016