Carson City deputy hit by suspected DUI driver

A Carson City deputy was involved in a crash early Sunday morning after being hit by a suspected DUI driver, the Carson City Sheriff’s Office reported.

The crash occurred around 1:20 a.m., at Roop and William streets. According to officials, the deputy — who’s identity isn’t being released — had a green light going east on William when the 27-year-old female driver ran a red light going south on Roop, the Sheriff’s Office reported

The deputy sustained minor injuries and was transported to the hospital where he was checked and released. The female driver had no injuries, though her vehicle was totaled. Sheriff Ken Furlong said the patrol vehicle had minor damage.

Furlong said when other deputies arrived at the scene, the female driver was out of her vehicle walking around and exhibited signs of intoxication.

The driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI and a blood draw was taken at the jail. Furlong said her blood alcohol level was above .180.

The accident investigation is being handled by Nevada Highway Patrol in conjunction with the Sheriff’s Office, as per protocol.

Furlong said this accident is one of more than 50 crashes that have occurred over the last week.

“The fact that one of our patrol vehicles was hit by a DUI driver shows we need to increase our emphasis on DUI enforcement before the summer season hits,” Furlong said. “Though it was a patrol vehicle, it could have very easily been anyone and they could have gotten seriously hurt.

“It is not just that a patrol vehicle got hit, it is an example of the problem we have in this town of people not paying attention to the DUI laws and I am not going to wait until someone gets hurt to do something.”