By Bryan Manabat
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
SUPERIOR Court Associate Judge Joseph N. Camacho on Monday imposed a $35,000 cash bail on Richmond Ray Saimon, 26, who is charged with attempted second-degree murder and other offenses stemming from a crash in which he allegedly drove drunk and recklessly, injuring his girlfriend.
Saimon also faces charges of driving under the influence of alcohol, reckless driving, assault with a dangerous weapon, and disturbing the peace.
According to the criminal complaint, Saimon admitted to a police officer that he had consumed alcohol before driving. He refused a field sobriety test and declined to provide a blood sample to determine his blood alcohol concentration. Police reported that he was uncooperative, talkative, and “cocky.”
Investigators later interviewed Saimon’s girlfriend, who said the two had been arguing before the crash and that she felt like they were “flying” as they traveled southbound on Middle Road in Gualo Rai. She told investigators she could not remember whether Saimon punched her. She had a large black eye around her right eye and bruising across her body, and said Saimon had been very angry with her.
Surveillance footage obtained by investigators showed a Honda Civic making a right turn into the southbound outer lane of Middle Road. As the Civic entered the roadway, a Toyota Tacoma driven by Saimon was seen traveling at a high rate of speed in the same lane and slamming into the sedan. Investigators said the Tacoma showed no signs of slowing or braking before impact.
The Department of Public Safety earlier reported that officers arrested Saimon for DUI following the March 22 two-vehicle collision, which scattered debris across all four lanes of Chalan Pale Arnold Road near XO Market in Gualo Rai.
Highway Patrol officers found a gray Honda Civic and a black Toyota Tacoma with major damage. Emergency medical services were requested immediately. The Civic’s female driver and her passenger were transported by DFEMS medics to the Commonwealth Health Center Corporation for treatment. The Tacoma’s driver and female passenger were also taken to CHCC for evaluation.
Police said the Tacoma driver showed signs of impairment during initial contact. A preliminary investigation indicated both vehicles were traveling southbound when the Civic entered the outer lane. At CHCC, officers conducted a DUI investigation. DPS said the Tacoma driver continued to show signs of impairment, admitted to drinking before the crash, and refused field sobriety and implied-consent testing.
After being medically cleared, Saimon was transported to the Department of Corrections, where he was booked and detained. The Civic driver and passenger, along with the Tacoma passenger, were treated and released.
DPS Traffic Investigation Units conducted a follow-up investigation. Based on initial findings, speed and alcohol were considered contributing factors.
Judge Camacho ordered Saimon remanded to the Department of Corrections following the April 20 bail hearing held in the Supreme Court courtroom. He is scheduled to return to court for a preliminary hearing on April 29 at 9 a.m.
Saimon was represented by public defender Robert McNeill, while Chief Prosecutor Chester Hinds appeared for the government.
The CNMI Judiciary remains closed to the public except for emergency hearings such as temporary restraining orders and bail hearings.
Bryan Manabat was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College where he also studied criminal justice. He is the recipient of the NMI Humanities Award as an Outstanding Teacher (Non-Classroom) in 2013, and has worked for the CNMI Motheread/Fatheread Literacy Program as lead facilitator.
