'Drunk' doc had busy work day ahead

2010-10-01 08:48

California - A Northern California physician is accused of causing injuries in a drunken driving crash while heading to work on a day he had five procedures scheduled.

Ifeanyi Charles Igwegbe will be arraigned next month on two felony counts of causing injury by driving under the influence. He waived a preliminary hearing on Wednesday.

His attorney, Michael Khouri, said Igwegbe intends to plead not guilty.

"He disputes the accuracy of the blood alcohol test that was administered by the police department," Khouri said. "He maintains that he had not been drinking that morning."

The California Medical Board has filed an accusation against Igwegbe seeking to suspend his license. The board's accusation said a blood test found his blood alcohol level was 0.13. The legal limit is 0.08.

Igwegbe's nurse testified at a medical board hearing that the gastroenterologist was scheduled to perform five procedures at his Yuba City office May 25.

Authorities say Igwebe crossed the centre line and hit another car, causing injuries to its driver that a lawsuit said would result in "some permanent disability".

Khouri said Igwegbe has reached a settlement with the medical board that will place his license on probation but allow him to continue to practice. The medical board must still vote to approve the settlement, he said.

- AP