INDIANA — A woman was arrested Wednesday morning after allegedly driving under the influence through the scene of an active crash in Evansville, according to the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities said 56-year-old Jennifer Rinke attempted to drive through an emergency scene involving downed power lines in the 2200 block of Boonville New Harmony Road.
Officials reported that fire crews had to stop Rinke after she drove around an ambulance that was responding to the crash. Investigators said she was unable to follow basic instructions and ended up reversing into the downed power lines.
According to an affidavit, deputies detected the odor of alcohol when Rinke exited her vehicle. She later failed field sobriety tests, and a breath test showed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.206.
Authorities also reported finding a red tumbler cup that smelled of alcohol inside her vehicle.
Rinke was charged with driving while intoxicated and endangerment. Officials noted she had a prior conviction for driving while intoxicated in February 2025.
The incident remains under investigation.
