Felony Driving Under the Influence Arrest

Date Incident: 26 October 2016

Subject: Felony Driving Under the Influence Arrest
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26 October 2016, at approximately 3:40 p.m., Valerie Smusz, 34 of Sonora, was traveling eastbound on E. Jackson Street in a 2006 Mazda RX-8, when she ran the stop sign at the intersection of E. Jackson Street and Hope Lane, at approximately 25 miles per hour.

As Valerie Smusz’s vehicle ran the stop sign, it collided with a 2014 Chevy Equinox, which was traveling northbound on Hope Lane. The Chevy was being operated by Monica Reibin. Both vehicles sustained major damage as a result of the collision.

Valerie Smusz, Monica Reibin, and Valerie Smuszu’s passenger, Austin Smusz, were all transported to Sonora Regional Medical Center by ambulance for various non life threatening injuries.

During the accident investigation, it was determined Valerie Smusz had been operating her vehicle while under the influence of a controlled substance. It was also learned her drivers’ license was suspended, plus she was on felony probation for numerous convictions. After Valerie Smusz was treated for her injuries, she was transported to the Tuolumne County Jail where she was booked for felony driving under the influence.

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