On June 27, at approximately 9:12 pm, law enforcement officials were dispatched to the 2300 block of South 9th St in response to a vehicle accident. Witnesses reported that a red 2014 Ford Taurus, traveling northbound had veered left, crossed the median and southbound lanes, before driving into a ditch in front of Dillon's. The vehicle came to a rest against a concrete retaining wall.
According to eyewitnesses, the driver of the vehicle was seen fleeing the crash site, heading northbound. Officers located whom they suspected to be the driver, later identified as Tamara Savage-Knight, a 50-year-old resident of Salina. She was found walking near McDonald's.
Upon making contact with Savage-Knight, she allegedly denied any involvement in the accident. However, witnesses described her as the driver. Furthermore, Savage-Knight allegedly exhibited injuries consistent with being the driver, which included injuries from the seat belt and airbag deployment. She allegedly admitted to initially being a passenger but officers had enough evidence to determine that Savage-Knight was the driver of the vehicle.
Officers could allegedly smell the odor of alcohol on Savage-Knight's breath, and she allegedly admitted to taking prescription pills that might have impaired her ability to operate a motor vehicle. A DUI investigation was conducted, and it was allegedly determined that Savage-Knight was impaired.
Following the arrest for the alleged DUI, Savage-Knight complained of neck and back pain and was transported to SRHC. Due to her hospital admission, officers made a custodial arrest.
Savage-Knight now faces multiple requested charges, including DUI (3rd offense), duty of driver to report an accident, no proof of insurance, operating a vehicle without an ignition interlock device, and improper driving on laned roadway.
At 9:15 pm on Tuesday, June 27, first responders were dispatched to the corner of 9th and Magnolia for a vehicle accident. Reports indicate that a vehicle is in the ditch in front of Dillons. It is unknown at this point if there are any injuries. Salina311 will have more information as it becomes available.
