Drunk Driver Crashed Into Spotsylvania Deputy: Police

SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY, VA — A suspected drunk driver crashed into a Spotsylvania County deputy on Friday, the county sheriff's office said.

The deputy suffered injuries that were not life-threatening in the crash. He was taken to an area hospital for treatment.

Authorities identified the other driver as 57-year-old John Anthony Fields. Fields is charged with driving under the influence, reckless driving, and failure to drive right side of highway. He was held at the Central Virginia Regional Jail.

The crash occurred around 2:45 p.m. on Friday in the area of West Catharpin Road and Dulin Lane near the line between Spotsylvania County and Orange County.

"The suspect vehicle came into [the deputy's] lane of travel striking the deputy’s vehicle head-on at 3:00 p.m.," the Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office said.

The crash was captured on the deputy's dashboard camera. The video shows one driver drift into the deputy's lane. The deputy pulls to the right side of the road to avoid the crash, but the other driver fails to adjust.

"Sheriff Roger Harris is extremely thankful that no serious injuries resulted in the crash and wants to remind drivers who choose to be irresponsible that his deputies will continue to be aggressive in their DUI enforcement," the sheriff's office said. "The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's 'Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over' campaign starts December 13th to the first of the year. Law enforcement across the state will be enhancing their efforts to find impaired drivers."

Virginia's drunken driving laws are among the harshest in the nation, the DMV said. If a driver is convicted for a first DUI offense, the minimum punishment includes a $250 fine and a revocation of the driver's license for one year. A DUI conviction can also require the installation of an ignition interlock device.

Across the country, 28 people die in drunken driving crashes every day, according to the DMV.

Resources are available for people who are struggling with addiction. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration operates a 24/7 hotline that can help people find resources and get the help they need.