Motorcyclist injured in North County crash suspected of DUI

A motorcyclist who suffered major injuries after allegedly sideswiping a Jeep on Friday night east of Templeton has been arrested at a local hospital on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, the CHP reported Monday.

Tim William Karels, 37, of Paso Robles, remained at the intensive care unit at Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center in San Luis Obispo on Monday morning in critical condition, according to hospital spokesman Ron Yukelson.

The CHP says Karels was riding a 2006 Harley-Davidson motorcycle east on Creston Road, near Neal Springs Road, at about 8:10 p.m. when witnesses reported he passed their car by crossing the solid yellow line on a right curve in the road and sideswiped a Jeep Cherokee traveling west.

Following the collision, Karels was ejected from the motorcycle, which careened back across the eastbound lane and collided with an oak tree on the south side of Creston Road, coming to rest in a vineyard. Karels lay in the middle of the eastbound lane, according to the CHP.

The driver of the Jeep was not injured.

Karel was taken via helicopter to Sierra Vista with major injuries to his left foot and leg. While under treatment, CHP officers placed him under arrest on suspicion of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 or higher and operating a motor vehicle without a license.

According to CHP Officer Patrick Seebart, Karels was not booked into San Luis Obispo County Jail because of the extent of his injuries and was released into the custody of hospital staff.

This story was originally published February 22, 2016 at 1:14 PM with the headline "Motorcyclist injured in North County crash suspected of DUI."