Father seeks justice after suspected drunken driver nearly killed his family

PUYALLUP, Wash. -- A father is looking for justice after a suspected drunk driver nearly took the life of five family members.

Eleven-year-old Anhy-Eli Garza is home recovering in her Puyallup bedroom.

Prosecutors say the little girl and four other members of her family were nearly killed when an alleged drunken driver hit them Friday night, just down the road from their home.

The father, Chris Garza, says he swerved to try to avoid the impact of the crash.  Everyone was able to get out of the car except for Chris and Anhy -- they were trapped by the steering wheel and seat belts.



Witnesses told police the suspected drunken driver tried to leave the scene.  Court documents say when police arrived, they noted the suspect’s speech was slurred and his eyes were watery and bloodshot.  The suspect says he had two beers at a local bar.

Anhy’s family is grateful to have her home and little Anhy is hoping others can learn a valuable lesson.

Mark Bachner, 40, was charged with vehicular assault Monday.  His bail was set at $15,000 and he was released Monday night. The Garza family is asking anyone who witnessed the accident to please come forward and make a report.