Diaz Charged with Three Felonies

A man was charged in Santa Maria Court Friday in connection to a deadly traffic accident.

Santa Barbara County District Attorney Joyce Dudley said that three felony charges were filed against Jose Luis Diaz, aka Jose Morales and aka Luis Diaz, in connection with a traffic fatality.

The accident happened on Nov. 8 at the intersection of Highways 154 and 246 near Buellton.

Diaz was specifically charged with gross vehicular homicide while intoxicated, driving under the influence causing injury, with the enhancement of Infliction of great bodily injury and felony hit and run when the accident results in death.

The complaint said that Diaz failed to yield to oncoming traffic when he attempted a left turn onto Highway 246 from Highway 154.

During the turn, police said Diaz struck Joseph Corcoran, who was driving his motorcycle south on Highway 154.

It is further alleged that at the time of the collision, Diaz was under the influence of alcohol and he fled the scene.

The case was continued until next Tuesday in Santa Maria.