Five people hurt in suspected DUI crash

Five people were injured in a crash that shut down Sullivan Road at Sprague Avenue for five hours early Saturday morning.

Brooke N. Benton, 22, was allegedly speeding east on Sprague when she ran a red light at Sullivan and hit a southbound SUV shortly after midnight, according to the Washington State Patrol. Investigators believe Benton was under the influence, and she is facing vehicular assault charges, the WSP said.

Trooper Randy Elkins said a trooper tried to pull Benton over near Sprague and University Road before the crash, but Benton sped off. After she ran a red light, the trooper turned off his lights and sirens and followed at a distance, but Benton continued to speed, Elkins said. He came across the crash shortly after it happened.

The driver of the southbound SUV, identified as 25-year-old Sarah A. Anderson of Coeur d’Alene, was injured and taken to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center.

Also injured were Anderson’s four passengers: 34-year-old Jesse J. Spoklie of Spokane, 19-year-old Nicole R. Agnew of Coeur d’Alene, 36-year-old Mark M. Coladonato of Colbert and 31-year-old Amanda G. Milhouse of Greenacres. All but Milhouse were wearing seat belts.

Benton was uninjured. Court records indicate she pleaded guilty to charges of second-degree theft and possession of a controlled substance last month. She is currently on probation.