BROOKINGS – A Brookings woman was arrested on suspicion of DUI after rolling her vehicle Saturday evening, according to Brookings Police.
The accident was reported at 8:46 p.m. Saturday and occurred on Second Street South and Main Avenue South, Det. Adam Smith said.
A 50-year-old woman was driving a 1998 black Jeep Grand Cherokee north on Main Avenue, Smith said.
“(The Jeep) took a hard turn and struck a light pole before rolling over,” Smith said.
“The driver admitted to drinking and refused a PBT (preliminary breath test),” Smith said.
The Brookings County State’s Attorney’s Office identified the driver as Anita Raabe of Brookings.
There was a male passenger in the vehicle, and both he and the driver refused medical attention, Smith said.
The Cherokee was towed.
Smith said the Jeep sustained significant damage to the roof, the front bumper, and the windshield, as well as other areas, and it was likely totaled.
Raabe faces two misdemeanors charges: DUI first offense and lane driving, which is when a driver swerves out of their lane, Smith explained.
The accident is under investigation by the State Highway Patrol, he added.
“Even though it says ‘Highway Patrol,’ they’re actually state troopers, so they have jurisdiction everywhere,” and can work accidents anywhere, not just on highways, Smith said.
“They help us out. They have a lot more experience with the major accidents, the reconstruction training,” Smith said.
