San Jose man’s toxicology results released in double-fatal Santa Cruz County crash

Update comes amid an uptick in DUI arrests

SCOTTS VALLEY, Ariz. Police have released new information about a Mount Hermon Road crash that killed two people and injured one child.

According to a Scotts Valley Police Department social media post, the results of a Santa Cruz County Coroner’s Office toxicology report “unequivocally revealed” that Steven Bryant, 62, of San Jose, was driving under the influence of illegal controlled substances.

The drugs “played a significant role in the tragic collision,” according to the post from the department. According to reports, Bryant’s car was seen swerving erratically before crossing into the opposite lane of traffic prior to the collision.

Bryant was driving a gold Acura with Laurie E. Bryant, 58, when he collided with a white commercial Ford Econoline van between Skypark Drive and Lockhart Gulch Road shortly before 5 p.m. on Aug. 30. He and Laurie Bryant were both killed in the crash, and a juvenile passenger was seriously injured. The driver of the van received minor injuries.

“We have been monitoring the surviving juveniles’ progress and are happy to report that although she will have a long road to recovery, she is doing well,” the department’s Facebook page stated.

While expressing condolences to the Bryant family and those affected by the fatal crash, the department stated that the incident served as a reminder of the dangers of driving while intoxicated.

As an example, Scotts Valley police announced Saturday night that one officer had made four DUI arrests in the previous four days. Two of the arrests were related to serious traffic accidents involving a storefront and a traffic signal pole. According to the department, one of the three arrests tested positive for both drugs and alcohol, and the other for a combination of methamphetamine and marijuana.

“Driving while impaired is not limited to just alcohol,” the department warned on social media. “It is illegal to drive while under the influence of any intoxicant.” Driving while intoxicated may cost you your life, the lives of your passengers, and/or the lives of others on the road.”