A 19-year-old Woodland woman was sentenced to 10 years of formal probation and more than $2.5 million in restitution for her role in a wrong-way DUI collision that injured two other people.
Brooklyn Johnson pleaded no contest on Dec. 19 to felony counts of driving under the influence of drugs causing injury, with enhancements for great bodily injury and multiple victims, and driving the wrong way on a divided highway causing injury.
The crash occurred at 4:20 a.m. on Oct. 19, 2018, when Johnson, traveling the wrong way on Interstate 5, in Yolo County, collided head-on with another vehicle. Witnesses reported seeing Johnson driving erratically and seeing sparks coming from a tire.
The driver of the other vehicle sustained severe injuries that have resulted in more than two million dollars in losses. Johnson’s passenger also sustained severe injuries that resulted in a loss of consciousness. Blood analysis determined that Johnson had marijuana in her system.
Yolo Superior Court Judge Janene Beronio sentenced Johnson on Friday to the 10-year probation term and ordered her to pay $2,577,244 in restitution to her victims.
“This is an unfortunate reminder that consuming drugs is just as dangerous as alcohol when getting behind the wheel,” District Attorney Jeff Reisig said. “Our office is firmly committed to education, prevention, and enforcement of DUI related offenses.”
“Like alcohol, drugs and driving don’t mix,” added OTS Director Barbara Rooney. “This is one of far too many examples of bad things happening because someone chose to drive impaired. Our hope is that continuous education of the dangers and legal repercussions will convince people to make the right decision.”