A 67-year-old Bluffton woman has been arrested after allegedly driving under the influence and colliding with a Bluffton Police Department patrol vehicle.
Incident Details
The crash occurred on May 5 around 10:30 p.m. at the intersection of Buckwalter Parkway and Lake Point Drive. Police and a witness reported seeing the woman’s Mercedes sedan traveling around 5 mph in the wrong lanes, appearing unconscious at the wheel.
Officers attempted to gain her attention by honking and approaching the vehicle. The sedan swerved into a patrol car, then struck a road sign and landscaping before stopping near the Kroger on Discovery Drive. The woman’s dog, the only other occupant, was taken into Beaufort County Animal Services’ care.
DUI Arrest and Evidence
The driver smelled of alcohol, appeared extremely disoriented, and repeatedly dozed off during questioning. She failed field sobriety tests, admitted to drinking more vodka than she should have, and refused a breathalyzer, resulting in an automatic license suspension under South Carolina law.
Vehicle Damage and Injuries
The patrol car sustained damage to the front passenger wheel and quarter panel, though the officer was not injured. No additional charges were filed for the damages.
Legal Status
The driver was charged with first-offense DUI and released on a $992 personal recognizance bond. The S.C. Highway Patrol is investigating the case.
