Booze suspected in RV driver’s multiple crashes

An allegedly intoxicated woman driving a recreation vehicle hit several parked cars and multiple garbage cans on Monday, July 5 just before 8:30 p.m.

Jennifer Rockwell, 49, of Bellevue, was reported by a couple after Rockwell allegedly swerved off of the roadway and almost struck their vehicle.

Olympia police were dispatched to the intersection of East Bay Dr NE and San Francisco Ave NE, where they contacted Rockwell in a white and maroon 2004 Lexington 235 Grand Touring RV.

The RV had a “mangled garbage can” lodged underneath the front bumper according to the police report.

As officers pulled their patrol car behind the RV, Rockwell attempted to start the vehicle. Police say they spoke with Rockwell through the window of the driver’s side door. Rockwell had heavily slurred speech, watery eyes, and told police that she was allowed to park where she was located.

When asked about the garbage cans police were told she had hit, Rockwell denied knowing anything about it. When an officer mentioned the garbage can lodged underneath the front bumper of Rockwell’s vehicle, Rockwell did not have a response.

While speaking to Rockwell, OPD observed an open bottle of Tito’s Vodka.

Rockwell turned down a voluntary field sobriety test and was informed that she was under arrest for driving under the influence. Rockwell allegedly refused to exit the vehicle multiple times.

OPD then unlocked Rockwell’s door by reaching in through the open window and opened the door. Rockwell again refused to exit the vehicle.

As officers attempted to force her out of the vehicle, Rockwell grabbed the steering wheel and police report that they had to “pry her hand off” in order to get her out of the vehicle.

Handcuffed, Rockwell struggled to walka straight line and made several attempts to not comply with being placed in the back of the patrol car.

At the Olympia Jail, Rockwell declined to provide breath samples so officers could determine her blood alcohol leve.. As officers drafted a search warrant for a blood draw, Rockwell was allegedly pounding on the cell door, yelling to be let out.

Officers observed video of Rockwell attempting to bang on the door and slipped, causing injury to her head. Olympia firefighters responded to the jail, where they provided Rockwell with a bandage for her head and an ice pack.

Because Rockwell refused to provide a breath sample, officers secured a search warrant for blood samples and transported her to Capital Medical Center where the standard two vials were taken. After the blood draw, Rockwell was transported back downtown to the Olympia jail and then booked for driving under the influence