A late-night auto collision involving a civilian driver and a police unit on the Christiansted Bypass has led to the arrest of Sarah Vasquez on charges of driving under the influence and negligent driving. Photo: VIC

According to police, the crash occurred at approximately 8:53 p.m. on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, when the 911 Emergency Call Center was notified by radio of the collision involving officers.

Investigators said the police unit had been travelling north and had come to a complete stop on the bypass. Vasquez, travelling westbound, attempted to turn left onto the bypass and struck the police vehicle in its lane. Both vehicles sustained damage from the impact.

An officer from the Traffic Investigation Bureau responded to the scene and made contact with Vasquez. Police reported detecting “a strong odour of alcoholic beverage on her breath and on her person.”

Traffic officers administered the three Standardised Field Sobriety Tests: the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus Test, the Walk and Turn Test, and the One Leg Stand Test. Vasquez failed all three, according to the report. She was then placed under arrest, processed, advised of her Miranda rights, and booked.

Her bail was set at $1,005.00 as per the chart guidelines. In lieu of posting bail, Vasquez surrendered her Virgin Islands driver’s license.