An impaired driver struck a Richmond County Sheriff’s Office patrol car Saturday night on Broad Street, according to Chief of Staff Lewis Blanchard.
The incident occurred at approximately 10:29 p.m. on the 900 block of Broad Street. The officer, identified as Deputy Nicholas Boyd, was traveling westbound in a marked patrol vehicle when another vehicle pulled out of a nearby parking area and struck the patrol unit on the driver’s side.
The suspect vehicle’s front passenger side made contact with the patrol car, causing minor damage to the PIT bar and scuffing paint on the suspect’s vehicle. No injuries were reported.
The driver, identified as 52-year-old Melanie Day Clayton, was arrested at the scene and transported to the Charles B. Webster Detention Center. She has been charged with DUI, failure to yield, and no proof of insurance.
Blanchard stated that the Traffic Division will be submitting the official accident report.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office reiterated its continued focus on traffic safety, aiming to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities. The department also reminded the public of the serious consequences associated with impaired driving.
Clayton is already out on bond. A Facebook page identifies her as a resident of Dothan, Ala., and she has posted about traveling to Augusta for work in the past.
