Woman Given Probation for Drunk Driving Crash That Killed Ex-Husband
A woman who earlier pleaded guilty to two felony counts and a gross misdemeanor for crashing into another vehicle head-on while drunk—causing the death of a man and seriously injuring another—avoided jail time Wednesday after a judge sentenced her to five years of probation.
A nearly five-year prison sentence was stayed, meaning she won’t have to serve any time as long as she complies with the terms of her probation.
Bobbi Jo Puttbrese, 53, was driving her van last June on Concord St. S. near Chestnut St. in South Saint Paul when witnesses to the crash said they saw Puttbrese cross through the center turn lane and into the northbound traffic lane, striking a pickup truck head-on. The driver of the truck suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
TWITTER: Our original thread on the crash
The front-seat passenger in Puttbrese’s vehicle, Paul Edward Craven, 61, was transported to Regions Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. Documents say Craven was the ex-husband of Puttbrese.
A second passenger in the van suffered multiple spinal fractures, a rib fracture and a sternal fracture, according to court documents.
Puttbrese took a preliminary breath test which revealed an alcohol concentration of .201, more than 2.5 times the legal limit.
Court records show Puttbrese was previously convicted of misdemeanor DUI in 1993 and again in 2000.
In a sentencing departure report filed by the court, the judge stated that Puttbrese was successful with chemical dependency and mental health treatment, remorseful, had complied with the terms of her conditional release and had no criminal history.
“I’m disappointed with the court’s downward dispositional departure decision, given Ms. Braun’s actions in this case,” said County Attorney Kathy Keena. “My condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Mr. Craven.”
As part of her probation, Puttbrese must not possess or use any alcohol or controlled substances, comply with random testing, attend Alcoholics Anonymous and pay a restitution amount to be determined.
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