Driver With BAC of 0.251 Faces Multiple Charges After Crash in Citrus County

After a recent incident in Citrus County, Florida, a 66-year-old woman now finds herself facing multiple charges after leading deputies on a dangerous high-speed chase while allegedly intoxicated. 

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of impaired driving. If you suffered injuries or your loved one was killed in a similar drunk driving accident in Florida, you have the right to sue for your personal injuries or your loved one’s wrongful death. Call Magazine & Light Law Group at 727-499-9900.

On the evening of July 8, 2024, Brenda Evangelista Jenkins was arrested on multiple charges after allegedly fleeing from deputies who attempted to stop her vehicle in connection with a suspected hit-and-run incident stemming from a road rage altercation.

According to Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) reports, when deputies activated their emergency lights, Jenkins allegedly accelerated, reaching speeds up to 90 miles per hour on Gulf to Lake Highway. During the pursuit, Jenkins’ vehicle was observed driving erratically, sideswiping one vehicle and colliding with another near the intersection of W. Main Street and N. Pine Avenue before crashing into a crosswalk pole.

Following the crash, deputies reported that Jenkins refused to exit her vehicle and allegedly blamed law enforcement for the incident. Officers on scene noted that Jenkins exhibited signs of intoxication, including slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, and a strong odor of alcohol on her breath.

A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed an open wine container, and a blood alcohol test administered to Jenkins reportedly showed a level of .251, more than three times the legal limit in Florida.

Jenkins now faces multiple charges, including fleeing and eluding with disregard for safety, two counts of DUI with property damage, and leaving the scene of a crash with property damage. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Wake-Up Call About the Dangers of Drunk Driving

The CCSO continues to urge residents to make responsible choices and to never operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other substances. The consumption of alcohol or certain drugs can cause significant changes in a person’s driving abilities even before that individual becomes intoxicated. 

Some of the effect of alcohol include:

• Impaired judgment
• Riskier behaviors
• Slowed response times
• Blurred vision
• Impaired motor coordination
• Lack of focus

Drunk Driving Accident Statistics: Here’s What You Need to Know

A drunk driving accident takes the life of someone in the United States every 48 minutes. Despite sober driving campaigns, stricter drunk driving laws, and increased penalties for people caught drinking and driving, alcohol remains a major contributing factor in traffic accidents that cause injuries and deaths throughout the U.S. 

In Florida, the rate of alcohol-related motor vehicle accident deaths was 1.9 per 100,000 residents in 2022. In Citrus County, the rate was 2.5 per 100,000 residents that same year. As such, Citrus County was ranked in the top 10 Florida counties with the highest drunk driving fatality rates. 

• In 2023, Florida DOT’s Signal Four Analytics reports that 12 people died in alcohol-related traffic accidents in Citrus County.
• That same year, six people in the county suffered serious injuries in impaired driving-related accidents.
• 101 crashes in Citrus County in 2023 involved impaired driving.
• Most drunk and drugged driving accidents that cause serious injuries or death in the area occur around 11:00 PM. 
• The majority of people who suffer serious injuries or deaths in Citrus County impaired driving accidents are between the ages of 25 and 34.

Impaired driving incidents often result in severe consequences, including serious injuries to victims and substantial financial burdens due to medical expenses. In the most tragic cases, families may face the tragic loss of a loved one due to the actions of an intoxicated driver. Individuals involved in alcohol-related traffic incidents should consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to understand their rights and the avenues available for compensation. The experienced car accident lawyers at our law firm can assist injured victims in filing personal injury claims or, in cases of fatality, wrongful death suits on behalf of affected parties. Such legal action may help victims and their families address the financial and emotional impacts of these incidents. For help recovering compensation, call Magazine & Light Law Group. 727-499-9900.

Jim Magazine

James (Jim) Magazine is a Florida Board Certified Civil Trial lawyer who has spent his career helping injured victims. Jim is licensed to practice law in the State of Florida since 1990 and is also admitted to practice at the Appellate level and admitted to the United States Supreme Court.

Years of Experience: More than 30 years
Florida Registration Status: Active
Bar Admissions:
Clearwater Bar Association
West Pasco Bar Association