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ST. GEORGE — A woman suspected of driving while impaired — possibly on prescription medication — has been arrested following a collision with a motorcycle that left the rider with critical injuries.
Susan Marie McKinney, 66, was arrested for investigation of negligently operating a vehicle resulting in serious injury.
On Wednesday, at the corner of Red Cliffs and 2450 East about 10:45 a.m., McKinney was making a left turn "but did not have the right of way" and hit a motorcycle, according to a police booking affidavit. The male rider of the Harley was transported from the scene to St. George Regional Hospital by Gold Cross Ambulance. Police say the man suffered serious injuries "such as a broken pelvis and head trauma."
The crash forced the closure of the busy road between Red Cliffs Mall and the Washington border for nearly three hours.
When questioned, McKinney's speech was slurred "and she struggled to concentrate and follow directions," the affidavit states. She also performed poorly on some field sobriety tests such as the one-leg stand, during which she "kept falling over and had to catch herself."
Police say McKinney allegedly admitted to taking prescription medication.
