Driver Who Caused Accident Arrested For DWI

Diane-Antoinette-Washington-FIA woman who caused a two car accident Tuesday night on Outlet Center Drive in Smithfield has been charged with driving while impaired.

Around 8:00 pm, Smithfield Police said a car driven by Rosa Aurelia-Rod Cardenas, 40, of US 70-A Highway, Selma was struck from behind while stopped for stoplight at Venture Drive. Police said Diane Antoinette Washington, 61, of N. Sussex Drive, Smithfield was traveling at approximately 20 MPH in her 2012 Ford SUV when she struck Cardenas 2003 Toyota from behind.

No injuries were reported, however Washington’s SUV sustained $2,000 in damage and Cardenas Toyota $1,500 in damage.

Washington was charged with driving while impaired and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident. Police said she registered 0.21 on the breathalyzer, well above the legal limit of 0.08 in NC.

She was released on a $1,500 bond pending her next appearance in court.