A 35-year-old felon who allegedly drove drunk and got into a crash in Orange with a 10-year-old boy in the car pleaded not guilty on Tuesday, April 15 to multiple charges.
Christopher Shannon Ayala pleaded not guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol causing injury, driving under the influence with a blood-alcohol level of 0.08% or more causing injury and child abuse and endangerment, all felonies. He was also ticketed for driving without a valid license.
Ayala, who is due back in court April 25 for a pretrial hearing, is accused of crashing into a parked car at 525 E. Wilson Ave. just after noon Sunday, according to Lt. Phil McMullin of the Orange Police Department. The boy sustained minor injuries and was taken to a hospital to be checked out, McMullin said.
Ayala has a lengthy criminal history, according to court records.
He pleaded guilty in June 2021 to a felony count of dissuading a witness by force and misdemeanor counts of vandalism and assault.
In October 2018, Ayala pleaded guilty to buying or receiving a stolen vehicle or equipment and participating in gang activity, both felonies.
In December 2014, Ayala pleaded guilty to possessing a deadly weapon — a leaded cane — with a sentencing enhancement for gang activity.
In January 2013, he pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a controlled substance, a felony, and possession of drugs and violating a gang injunction, both misdemeanors.
In October 2010, Ayala pleaded guilty to burglary and robbery.