BRIEFLY : SUSPECT WHO FLED FROM HOSPITAL CAUGHT.

VENTURA - A drunk-driving suspect who fled from a hospital early this week was rearrested at a friend's home Thursday morning, authorities said.

Trent Preciado, 30, of Ventura was being held Friday on $20,000 bail in the infirmary at the Ventura County jail on suspicion of evading arrest, in addition to the reckless and drunk-driving counts he faced as a result of a high-speed chase with authorities two weeks ago.

California Highway Patrol officials said Preciado led them on a chase through east Ventura at speeds of up to 70 mph on July 18, and he suffered major injuries when he hit a traffic signal at Victoria Avenue and Skyline Road.

While in an unguarded room at the Ventura County Medical Center on Tuesday, Preciado disconnected his intravenous tube, grabbed a wheelchair and fled the hospital, possibly with help from a friend, authorities said.

A warrant for his arrest was issued, and Ventura County Sheriff's deputies following up on a tip found him in Ventura.

- Daily News

Woman in intensive care after car crash

FILLMORE - A 60-year-old Piru woman was in the intensive care unit at Ventura County Medical Center on Friday, where she was airlifted after veering off Highway 126 Thursday night and smashing into a citrus grove 40 feet below.

California Highway Patrol spokesman Dave Cockrill said Jennie Jimenez was driving eastbound near Fish Hatchery Road in her 1982 Toyota Tercel, when she drifted off the road and down an embankment.

Jimenez was wearing a seat belt but suffered major injuries to her head and left arm. Hospital officials said she underwent surgery Friday morning, and she was listed in fair condition.

The freeway was closed for 40 minutes after the 10 p.m. crash to allow a medical helicopter to pick her up.

- Daily News