Wednesday, February 16, 2011

DUI charged in weekend bridge crash

Sun Valley police say suspect ‘asleep’ when officers arrived

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By TERRY SMITH
Express Staff Writer

A Sun Valley man has been accused of DUI after he reportedly crashed his vehicle over the weekend into a bridge on Bitterroot Road where it crosses Trail Creek east of Ketchum.

Sun Valley police identified the suspect as 54-year-old Andrew C. Sabel. Assistant Police Chief Mike Crawford said Sabel was issued a citation alleging misdemeanor DUI and was released from custody after posting $500 bond. He said Sabel was not allowed to drive himself home.

Crawford said the accident occurred shortly after 3 a.m. Saturday morning when Sabel, driving a 2003 BMW, "went into a guardrail" across the bridge.

"When our officers arrived he was asleep at the wheel and the vehicle was still running," Crawford said.

Crawford said the vehicle "came close" to toppling into the creek.

Police estimate damage to the vehicle at $4,000 and to the bridge at $2,000.

Crawford said Sabel had a blood-alcohol level of .19, which is more than twice Idaho's legal driving limit of .08.

An arraignment date had not yet been scheduled in Blaine County Magistrate Court.

Terry Smith: tsmith@mtexpress.com

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