Suspected wrong-way drunk driver crashes into 3 cars in Estero

ESTERO, Fla. —

A suspected drunk driver drove the wrong way on South Tamiami Trail and Broadway Avenue West in Estero before crashing into 3 other cars, according to Lee County deputies.

Drivers like Sandy Love say hearing about the four-vehicle DUI crash in Estero gives them all the more reason to drive on high alert.

"I would never pull into an intersection from a stop without really looking both ways," Love said.

Lee County deputies say Debra Trautman was drunk while driving on the wrong side of the road before the crash. Deputies went up to her car and said she wasn't able to stand and smelled like alcohol. She was taken to the hospital, where deputies say she had a blood alcohol level nearly 3 times over the legal limit.

Neighbors like Pastor Frank Brand say they're thankful no one was injured. He passes by the intersection to get to his church on US-41.

"People are trying to fill a void that alcohol just can't fill. Sometimes on 41, people are in a hurry and not driving their best," said Brand.

Trautman is facing charges of DUI and property damage.

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