A 19-year-old man is facing charges after a head-on crash with a South Bend Police patrol vehicle late Wednesday night.
The collision happened just before midnight on Sept. 3, when a patrol car turned north onto Olive Street after completing a traffic stop near Tucker Drive. Police say a southbound vehicle driven by Jesus Briano crossed the center line and struck the squad car head-on. Airbags deployed in both vehicles.
Briano sustained minor injuries but declined treatment. The officer was evaluated for a hand injury. Investigators said Briano smelled of alcohol, was unsteady on his feet, and slurred his speech.
Briano refused field sobriety tests but was taken to the hospital for a blood draw and medical clearance before being booked into the St. Joseph County Jail.
According to the prosecutor’s office, Briano is charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated Endangering a Person and Minor Consuming Alcohol.
