Driver accused in death
had several traffic citations
A 31-year-old motorist involved in the death of an elderly pedestrian near the Diamond Head Lighthouse last Friday had a history of speeding and other traffic violations in the eight months preceding the accident.
According to court records, Andres Paredes was cited for seven speeding and other moving violations, including driving 95 mph in a 55 mph zone on Dec. 27. He was fined $200 and referred to a driver education class. He was last cited March 5 with disregarding a red signal.
Paredes is now in federal custody charged with federal drug and firearm charges after police discovered a 12-gauge shotgun and packets of crystal methamphetamine in his car after last Friday's accident.
He was arrested by police for suspicion of negligent homicide after he struck and killed 76-year-old Barbara Gallicchio as she was taking her daily walk on Diamond Head Road.
He later admitted to federal investigators that he was a drug trafficker and deliveryman for drugs, including "ice," and that he used the shotgun for protection and security. He also admitted he was a habitual user of "ice" and had been smoking it the night before the accident.
U.S. Magistrate Barry Kurren ordered Paredes held without bail yesterday at the request of federal prosecutors.
Deputy public defender Michael Weight did not object to Paredes' detention, which was recommended by the pretrial services office.