A Washington caller within a Port Orchard school zone called the Kitsap County Sheriff’s office to report a Mini Cooper driving erratically on the streets. It was suspected that the driver was under the influence.
While the vehicle was in a school zone, the driver stopped for traffic at a crosswalk. However, she remained idle for several minutes, even after the crosswalk emptied.
Shortly after stepping on the gas, she crashed into a tree. After police officers were able to safely remove 25-year-old Audra Eva Hamilton from the car, various alcoholic beverages were found inside.
When asked, Hamilton refused a field sobriety a breathalyzer test. As a result, deputies had to use a different method of assessing how impaired she was so that she could be booked into the Kitsap County Jail.
Washington Woman Smashes Into Tree
The person who had initially reported the incident told dispatchers that a Mini Cooper was moving unpredictably on Southeast Phillips Road. However, it was only after the crosswalk situation happened that things escalated.
Since the school zone was active, this behavior only raised concerns about the driver’s condition, as well as the safety of others. However, not long after this, the Mini Cooper left the road entirely.
After veering off the road, the woman crashed right into a tree. Fortunately, there weren’t any injuries reported.
Various Alcoholic Beverages Found Inside Vehicle
Once officers arrived, they attempted to determine the cause of the wreck, especially considering where the vehicle ended up. It was during this initial investigation that all the alcoholic beverages were discovered inside the Mini Cooper.
Since Hamilton refused the breathalyzer test, deputies had to get a search warrant that would allow medical staff at St. Michael Medical Center to draw blood and determine her blood alcohol concentration. Following this, she was booked into the Kitsap County Jail.
It was also discovered that the Mini Cooper did not have a required ignition interlock device. This is typically ordered by courts for drivers with previous alcohol-related driving offenses, requiring them to pass a breath test before the vehicle can start.
According to the Kitsap County public records, Hamilton was charged with:
- Driving under the influence
- Driving with a license suspended or revoked
- Not having an ignition interlock
If convicted of all of these, then she could face up to seven years in prison and over $10,000 in fines. This would also depend on her prior convictions.
Reactions to Washington DUI
Commenters were quick to notice the small details, with one person specifically writing, “It sounds like she has gotten a DUI before, since the article says she didn’t have a proper interlock in the vehicle. Treatment for a couple years will be something she should think about.”
Others poked fun at the situation, with one person writing, “Wildly on-brand for Port Orchard, yet again.” In the same vein, another commenter wrote, “As a fellow mini cooper owner…. We’re not all like this I swear.”
The case is no longer under active investigation, and Hamilton is expected to appear in court on May 20.