BROOKVILLE BOROUGH, Pa. (EYT) – Multiple charges have been filed against a Punxsutawney woman following a DUI-related crash that occurred in October in Brookville Borough.
Court documents indicate the Brookville Borough Police Department filed criminal charges against 28-year-old Deanna Jaye Burkett.
According to a criminal complaint, around 2:46 p.m. on October 21, Brookville Borough Police responded to a two-vehicle accident with minor injuries that occurred on West Main Street near Progress Street, in Brookville Borough, Jefferson County.
At the scene, police observed the victim/driver of the first vehicle, a red 2011 Nissan Altima, had minor injuries to his face, and his passengers, a known woman and a juvenile, also suffered minor injuries.
Police then spoke with the driver of the other involved vehicle, identified as Deanna Burkett.
According to the complaint, Burkett was crying and asking about the condition of the other involved individuals. She reportedly stated she attempted to apply her brakes, but they hadn’t worked.
While speaking with Burkett, police noticed a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on her person. She also reportedly had bloodshot eyes. She was subsequently asked to undergo field sobriety testing.
Burkett reportedly denied using any alcohol or a controlled substance, but she told police she does take Xanax and other medications, but only before bed, and hadn’t taken any that day. She denied any need to see the EMS at the scene, the complaint states.
The complaint indicates that Burkett displayed multiple signs of impairment during the subsequent field sobriety testing.
Police also spoke to a witness who reported the second vehicle involved was traveling left of the center before the US 322 Route 36/28 intersection and was traveling at an estimate of 45 miles per hour or more, going east. The witness told police they didn’t see the accident but saw the vehicle shortly before the intersection.
According to the complaint, the victim’s vehicle had the trunk pushed into the back seat, as well as damage to the front from hitting a pole after being pushed across the westbound lane of traffic.
The complaint indicates there was a clear mark where the victim’s vehicle and Burkett’s vehicle collided, but no evidence that the brakes on Burkett’s vehicle had been applied. Her tires also had no wear marks from sliding on pavement prior to impact.
Burkett was taken into custody and subsequently given a preliminary breath test (PBT). The test showed a positive reading of .171% BAC. She was then taken for a legal blood draw before being released to her husband, according to the complaint.
A report from the test was issued on November 12 and showed that Burkett had a BAC of .165%, as well as Alprazolam in her bloodstream, the complaint states.
Police also interviewed the victim regarding the crash.
According to the complaint, the victim reported he was traveling eastbound on West Main Street and went through the green light at the 322/36/28 intersection and continued eastbound. He told police he then stopped for a vehicle traveling westbound, yielding the right of way to traffic, before attempting to make a left turn into a parking lot. The victim said while he was stopped, he saw a vehicle approaching behind him and then striking him. He indicated his vehicle was pushed across the westbound lane of traffic, and then it struck a pole just off the side of the road.
The complaint notes police also attempted to get video footage of the crash from nearby businesses but were unable to locate any surveillance video that covered the correct area.
The following charges were filed against Burkett through Magisterial District Judge Gregory M. Bazylak’s office on November 22:
– Simple Assault, Misdemeanor 2 (three counts)
– Recklessly Endangering Another Person, Misdemeanor 2 (three counts)
– DUI: General Impairment/Incapable of Driving Safely – 1st Offense, Misdemeanor
– DUI: Controlled Substance – Combination Alcohol/Drugs – 1st Offense, Misdemeanor
– Careless Driving, Summary
– Reckless Driving, Summary
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. on December 21, with Judge Bazylak presiding.
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