Suspected drunk driver arrested after crash on Highway 61 in Perkins County
A Perkins County deputy arrested a driver suspected of DUI after a high-speed crash on Highway 61 near Grant. Authorities say the driver was nearly three times the legal limit.
By Hunter ArterburnGRANT, Neb. — A Perkins County Sheriff’s deputy arrested a driver on suspicion of driving under the influence after a single-vehicle crash Thursday on Highway 61 north of Grant.
According to the Perkins County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy was patrolling near mile marker 74 on Jan. 5 when he observed a northbound vehicle traveling well above the posted speed limit and swerving onto both the shoulder and into the oncoming lane of traffic.
The deputy turned to follow the vehicle and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. Authorities say the driver then veered onto the shoulder, lost control, crossed the southbound lane and entered the ditch, nearly rolling over.
The driver was not injured, and no other vehicles were involved. Deputies said a collision with oncoming traffic was narrowly avoided.
Following the crash, the deputy conducted a field sobriety investigation. The driver submitted to a preliminary breath test, which indicated a blood alcohol concentration nearly three times the legal limit, according to the sheriff’s office.
The driver was taken into custody and transported to a hospital for a blood draw. The investigation remains ongoing while test results are pending.
The Perkins County Sheriff’s Office emphasized the dangers of impaired driving and urged motorists to plan ahead if consuming alcohol.
“If you have been drinking, you have no business behind the wheel,” the sheriff’s office stated. Authorities also encouraged the public to report suspected impaired drivers by calling 911.