Accused drunk driver refused sobriety test after crash that killed bride: report
The accused drunk driver charged in the horrifying collision that left a new bride dead in South Carolina smelled of booze and refused to take a field sobriety test after the crash, according to police documents.
Jamie Komoroski, 25, also told officers that she downed a shot of tequila and one beer about an hour before the wreck on Friday night that killed 34-year-old Samantha Hutchinson, WCBD reported, citing the affidavits.
Komoroski was behind the wheel of a grey Toyota rental car when she allegedly plowed into a golf cart carrying Hutchinson, her new husband Aric Hutchinson and two relatives shortly after the couple’s wedding reception in Folly Beach.
She was traveling 65 miles per hour and only braked right before she struck the cart, police said.
Samantha, 34, of North Carolina, died after the crash. Aric and a relative suffered serious injuries, while the second injured relative was listed in stable condition, according to ABC News.
Jamie Lee Komoroski was arrested and charged with a DUI involving the death and reckless homicide of the recent bride. Folly Beach Police
Samantha and Aric Hutchinson dancing during their wedding reception. Michael D Peifer/Facebook
The alleged drunk driver was charged with reckless vehicular homicide and three counts of driving under the influence causing death.
When police arrived at the crash scene, they noticed Komoroski smelled of alcohol and she estimated to officers that her rate of impairment was an 8 on a scale of one to 10, according to the police documents obtained by WCBD.
She also allegedly told police drank a beer and one tequila drink about an hour before the crash, the affidavits state.
Police said the driver was also unsteady on her feet and “strongly refused and became uncooperative” when asked to take a field sobriety test, according to documents.
The Hutchinson’s during their wedding ceremony on Folly Beach in South Carolina. Michael D Peifer/Facebook
A list of events that took place before the Hutchinson’s and two others were stuck by the drunk driver, killing Samantha. Michael D Peifer/Facebook
A photo that was taken just before the newly married couple left the reception and were hit by the drunk driver. Michael D Peifer/Facebook
A warrant was issued for a blood test. Its results are pending.
Officers saw the golf cart on its side and several victims in need of help, according to the affidavits. Samantha died at the scene.
While Folly Beach Department of Public Safety chief Andrew Gilreath said he could not confirm the cart rolled but said it was found about 75 yards from the collision, ABC News reported.
Gilreath said the golf cart was allowed to operate and had lights.
“I was handed Aric’s wedding ring in a plastic bag at the hospital, five hours after Sam placed it on his finger and they read each other their vows,” Annette Hutchinson wrote on the GoFundMe. “Aric has lost the love of his life.”
With Post wires
Source: New York Post
