ST. GEORGE, Utah — A 41-year-old woman from St. George has been arrested on felony DUI charges after a crash that left a pedestrian injured and forced a major roadway closure on Wednesday evening. The incident occurred on Riverside Drive, an area currently undergoing construction, prompting authorities to shut down the road around 6:30 p.m., according to a statement from the St. George Police Department.
The woman, identified as Renee Renet Vianelli, is accused of driving under the influence of marijuana at the time of the crash. A probable cause affidavit released by authorities states that Vianelli was traveling east on Riverside Drive when a pedestrian, who was not in a designated crosswalk, attempted to cross the road.
According to Vianelli’s statement to officers, she saw the pedestrian and attempted to swerve to avoid hitting them but was unable to do so. “Renee told me that she saw the pedestrian but that the pedestrian ran in front of her and that she tried to swerve to miss the pedestrian but could not,” the arresting sergeant’s report reads.
The pedestrian sustained non-life-threatening injuries, which were described as “traumatic head injuries and possibly broken bones” in the affidavit. The individual’s identity has not been disclosed, and their condition was not updated at the time of the report’s release.
A Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) from the St. George Police Department was dispatched to the scene to assess whether impairment played a role in the crash. According to the sergeant’s report, Vianelli exhibited signs of impairment, including bloodshot, droopy eyes, and admitted to using marijuana 3 to 5 hours before the incident.
During the investigation, Vianelli reportedly handed officers a vape pen containing marijuana that she had concealed in her bra. Further testing at the St. George Police Department revealed that her urine tested positive for both marijuana and amphetamines.
Vianelli was booked into the Purgatory Correctional Facility on charges that include third-degree felony negligent driving resulting in serious bodily injury, along with misdemeanor charges of possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia.
The crash has raised concerns about both pedestrian safety and the risks associated with impaired driving. Authorities have not released any further information regarding the pedestrian’s condition or their identity.
The St. George Police Department continues to investigate the incident, and Vianelli is expected to face a court appearance in the coming weeks.