Suspected DUI crash on SR 18 near Auburn Tuesday night sends 2 to hospital

A suspected DUI crash on SR 18 near Auburn sent two men to the hospital late Tuesday night. The collision occurred around 10:50 p. m. when a 22-year-old driver lost control of his silver 2000 Chevy Silverado, striking a guardrail and coming to a stop on the northbound SR 167 off-ramp. The driver, who was wearing a seatbelt, was injured and taken to Auburn Medical Center, facing charges of vehicular assault.

His passenger, also 22 years old and not wearing a seatbelt, sustained injuries and was transported for treatment. Troopers confirmed drugs or alcohol were involved, and the incident blocked traffic for nearly four hours. The Silverado was totaled and towed from the scene. Such incidents highlight the risks associated with impaired driving and the importance of seatbelt use. Local authorities emphasize the need for increased awareness and enforcement of DUI laws to prevent similar accidents.