‘We could have been killed’: Video shows alleged drunk driver crash into family’s yard
By Beth Carlson
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OMAHA, Nebraska (KETV) — A Millard family narrowly avoided being hit by an alleged drunk driver as he crashed his car into their yard, hitting two parked cars.
Jeremy Rosenbalm was outside with his family, grabbing the mail, when they heard a loud crash down the road. Moments later, an SUV drove up into their yard, hitting their two cars. Rosenbalm’s security footage captured the moment on video.
“We came up and got our [garbage] cans, pulled them to the curb. We’re checking our mail, going through our mail, throwing our junk mail away,” Rosenbalm said. “Next thing you know, he comes barreling down 138th, apparently missing the wheel, right through the front yard and crashed into two vehicles out here.”
Omaha police cited the driver for a first-time DUI over .15, after preliminary blood alcohol content was measured at 0.262. That’s three times over the legal limit of 0.08.
Rosenbalm and his family ran across the street and called 911, as they watched the driver, still in his car, attempt to flee.
“We got across the street. We heard him trying to pull out, trying to back up off of the driveway and the retaining wall, but I was already on the phone with 911 at that time,” Rosenbalm said.
The police report stated the driver struck a light pole off 138th and Birchwood seconds before driving into the yard.
“There’s pedestrian traffic all the time. So really, I mean, it could have been a lot worse. Somebody could have been killed walking or riding their bike, or us killed right here in the yards. It was scary,” Rosenbalm said.
He worries about the busy street. Police records show it’s not the first crash at the intersection.
“A few years back, somebody crashed through the fence in the back. Our neighbor over there, there was another wreck right here. Two vehicle wreck, and they ended up crashing through her fence over there,” Rosenbalm said.
Rosenbalm said Sunday’s crash was a wake-up call that something needs to change.
“It’s just somebody’s driving that impaired. Something drastic should happen, in my opinion. He can’t be driving around like that,” Rosenbalm said.
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