By Bryan Manabat
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
A DRIVER was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence following a two-vehicle crash that scattered debris across all four lanes of Chalan Pale Arnold Road near XO Market in Gualo Rai on March 22, according to the Department of Public Safety.
DPS 911 dispatch received the crash report that evening. Responding Highway Patrol officers found a gray Hyundai Accent sedan and a black Toyota Tacoma pickup truck, both with major damage.
Emergency medical services were immediately requested. The Hyundai’s female driver and passenger were transported by DFEMS medics to the Commonwealth Health Center Corporation for treatment. The Tacoma’s driver and female passenger were also taken to CHCC for evaluation.
Police said the Tacoma driver showed signs of impairment during initial contact.
A preliminary investigation found that both vehicles were traveling southbound when the Hyundai entered the outer southbound lane.
At CHCC, officers conducted a DUI investigation. DPS said the Tacoma driver continued to show signs of impairment and admitted to consuming alcohol before the crash. The driver also refused field sobriety testing and chemical testing under implied consent laws.
After being medically cleared, the driver was taken to the Department of Corrections, where the individual was booked and detained. DPS did not release the driver’s identity.
The Hyundai driver and passenger, along with the Tacoma passenger, were treated and later released.
DPS Traffic Investigation Units also responded to the scene and conducted a follow-up investigation. Based on initial findings, police said speed and alcohol are considered contributing factors.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Bryan Manabat was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College where he also studied criminal justice. He is the recipient of the NMI Humanities Award as an Outstanding Teacher (Non-Classroom) in 2013, and has worked for the CNMI Motheread/Fatheread Literacy Program as lead facilitator.
