Bay Area/ San Francisco/ Crime & Emergencies
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Published on July 05, 2023
Sonoma Sheriff's Wife Faces 2 Felony DUI Charges after Crashing Tesla into Home, Injuring ResidentSource: Facebook / Santa Rosa Police Department

Natasha Whittinghill-Engram, the 47-year-old wife of Sonoma County Sheriff Eddie Engram, is facing two felony DUI charges, following a crash on May 5 that led to injuries for the woman inside the home, according to CBS News San Francisco. Whittinghill-Engram was driving under the influence of alcohol when she lost control of her Tesla and crashed into a house near Calistoga Road and Beaumont Way in Santa Rosa.

Whittinghill-Engram has now officially been charged with felony DUI resulting in bodily injury and felony DUI resulting in bodily injury with a blood alcohol content (BAC) exceeding .08%. Prosecutors added two enhancements to the charges for having a BAC of over .20%, as The Press Democrat reported. She was arrested by the Santa Rosa police at the scene of the accident. The woman inside the house, identified as Lorie Johnson, suffered cuts and bruises from the incident.

Sheriff Engram acknowledged the painful situation surrounding his wife's arrest on Twitter last month, expressing concern for both his wife's well-being and the injured homeowner. He has also recused himself from the investigation, allowing the Santa Rosa Police Department to lead to avoid any conflicts of interest.

The accident left the entire front end of Whittinghill-Engram's Tesla stuck in the side of the house. Homeowner Lorie Johnson explained to NBC Bay Area that she was watching TV with her dog when she heard the revving engine and crashing sound, followed by the car pushing furniture, glass, and other debris towards her. She described the scene as if “an earthquake with concrete [was] coming down.” Lorie's husband, Mark Johnson, was asleep at the time and was awakened by his wife's screams.

As reported by Sonoma's KSRO, Whittinghill-Engram is expected back in court next month to enter her plea and schedule a preliminary hearing. She had not yet entered a plea as of July 2, and is set to appear before a judge on August 8 to enter her plea and determine if there is adequate evidence to proceed to trial.