A drunk driver remained in custody after she killed a speeding driver high on meth. According to police, Summer Butler was under the influence of alcohol and cocaine when she crashed into another car, resulting in the death of its driver, who had taken methamphetamine.
Court documents obtained by the 8 News Now I-Team, show the 37-year-old driver facing multiple charges, including DUI resulting in death, reckless driving, and having a controlled substance in connection with the fatal crash.
Near Cheyenne Avenue and Civic Center Drive, On Jan. 14, a two-vehicle crash was called in to the North Las Vegas police. According to authorities, a car made a U-Turn in the center lane, causing the front of the vehicle Butler was driving to crash into it. Police said the passenger and driver of the first car were thrown out of the vehicle.
About 150 feet down the road, Butler’s car stopped in some landscaping, said police. All people involved in the crash were taken to the hospital. While at the hospital, police said, Butler’s behavior was unstable, and medical staff had to sedate her, said a report.
While a trauma paramedic was treating Butler’s injuries, “a small baggie containing a white substance fell out of the left side of her bra,” police said. The substance was later confirmed to be cocaine, police said.
Cocaine and cannabinoids were present in Butler’s system; a blood test was confirmed about two weeks after the crash. The blood draw also discovered that her alcohol level was over the legal limit at .102.
The deceased victim’s blood level was three times the legal limit. Police said a substantial amount of methamphetamine was also found in the individual’s system.
Information taken from Butler’s car showed she was traveling well above the 40-mile-per-hour posted speed limit. According to data, Butler’s car was traveling 70 mph. Data showed Butler’s car was traveling at 73 mph one second before the crash.
In 2017, records show Butler had pled guilty to a DUI in Omaha, Nebraska. In June, a warrant was issued for Butler’s arrest by police. She was ordered to stay away from drugs and alcohol after a judge released her on a $15,000 bond on August 29th. As of Tuesday, records show that she is at Clark County Detention Center. The name of the victim was not immediately available.
