Woman Charged in DUI Crash That Injured Deputy on I-79
KANAWHA COUNTY, W.Va. – A Kanawha County woman is facing charges after deputies say she drove under the influence and crashed into a parked patrol cruiser, injuring a deputy.
Hollie Marie Anderson, 29, of Elkview, has been charged with one count of DUI causing injury following the crash, which happened on July 22 on Interstate 79 near mile marker 3, according to the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies said Anderson’s vehicle left the roadway and collided with the stationary cruiser. The impact was so strong that it pushed the cruiser forward, breaking its rear axle.
The incident occurred shortly after deputies had responded to a disturbance at Anderson’s residence, only to find she had already left. Minutes later, the crash happened.
Anderson was not wearing a seatbelt and was taken to a hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Her unrestrained dog died in the crash. Deputies recovered the animal and returned it to her family.
Investigators noted there were no signs of braking or attempts to avoid the collision. According to a criminal complaint, Anderson showed signs of intoxication, including bloodshot eyes, a “drunk-like appearance,” and the smell of alcohol. She allegedly admitted to drinking Crown Royal.
During a search of her vehicle, deputies discovered an opened bag of what they described as “commercial-grade marijuana.” A toxicology report is pending, and investigators said more charges may be filed depending on the results.
