A local woman faces a driving under the influence charge after a late-night single-vehicle crash left her with serious injuries early Tuesday morning.

According to a Tennessee Electronic Traffic Crash Report from the Crossville Police Department, officers were dispatched to E. First St. at approximately 12:30 AM this morning. A resident in the area called emergency services after hearing a vehicle collide with a tree in front of her home. Wright informed dispatchers that the female driver was bleeding, appeared intoxicated, and had actively begged her not to call the police.

Upon arrival, responding officers discovered a black 2016 Chevrolet Equinox with disabling front-end damage. The driver, identified as 26-year-old Jerrica Lanae Fults of Crossville, had already exited the SUV. Officers noted she was covered in a significant amount of blood originating from a severe head injury.

Investigating Officer Amy Sherrill reported that Fults was traveling eastbound on E. First St. when her vehicle veered off the right side of the roadway past Welch St. The SUV traveled down a ditch, obliterating a mailbox and a plastic rain drain, before slamming head-on into a standing tree.

Evidence inside the vehicle indicated that Fults was not wearing her safety belt at the time of the collision, causing her to propel forward and strike her forehead against the rearview mirror.

While Fults was being treated, Assisting Officer Dakota Gunnels observed clear signs of impairment. Following a DUI investigation, Officer Gunnels obtained a search warrant for a blood draw. The warrant was executed at Cumberland Medical Center, where Fults was transported via ground ambulance for her injuries. The blood samples are currently being held in cold evidence storage at the police department pending lab results.

A warrant has been issued charging Fults with Driving Under the Influence. Due to her ongoing medical care at the hospital, the warrant remains pending formal service. Fults’ heavily damaged vehicle was towed from the scene, and the roadway was fully cleared by 1:23 AM.