Unhinged Drunken Soldier Wrecks Four Vehicles in Kaiserslautern
Losing the plot in Kaiserslautern, Rhineland-Palatinate, a 29-year-old American soldier decided to drive after downing a few too many fistfuls of hooch. With booze coursing through her veins like a raging river, she proceeded to take four victims in her Hyundai Genesis killing spree.
The carnage unfolded on a peaceful Sunday afternoon around 1:15 PM in the picturesque Eugen-Hertel-Straße. The soldier's first victim was an unsuspecting Opel Astra parked on the side of the road, which she clobbered like a ragdoll with her behemoth of a Hyundai.
Refusing to slow down or spare others, the tankard-toting trooper then went on a rampage, smashing into a VW Golf before launching it into the path of a Smart Fortwo. The soldier's relentless pursuit left the poor Smart car a crumpled mess, its right front fender torn asunder like patchwork quilting gone awry.
Thankfully, after a wild chase that would make even the most reckless video game character blush, the drunken duchess finally came to a halt. The unfortunate circumstances of a busted suspension and airbag deployment forced her hand, and the police finally managed to wrap up this chaotic episode.
The authorities took one whiff of the soldier's soaked cravat and quickly deduced that she had indeed partaken of the amber nectar. A breathalyzer test confirmed their suspicions, with the reading of a blood alcohol concentration of 2.06 - a figure so wince-inducing it could silence even the most boisterous of pub crowds.
Being a member of the US military, this soldier did not simply get off with a slap on the wrist and a warning letter. No, the military police paid a visit, ready to administer punishment in accordance with Army Rules.
Her fate now hinged on these disciplinary procedures, which can range from minor penalties, such as loss of rank or salary, to more severe consequences, including imprisonment or a dishonorable discharge.
In the aftermath of this sensational incident, it was revealed that the soldier's vehicle was no longer operational after the second crash. A local gardener named Kolja, who witnessed the chaos, shared his account of the unforgettable spectacle with the local media, adding to the story's intrigue.
Enrichment Data:
US military disciplinary actions for drunk driving offenses, like the one in Kaiserslautern, typically involve a combination of civilian and military procedures.
- Civilian Charges: The offender may face criminal charges under local or state laws, leading to arrest and possible imprisonment. In Okinawa, for instance, a driver suspected of drunk driving and causing an explosion was charged with civilian offenses.
- Military Discipline: Commanding officers can administer Non-Judicial Punishment (NJP) or put the offender through a court-martial, the most severe military trial. Penalties include fines, reduction in rank, imprisonment, and administrative restrictions.
- Administrative Actions: Commands may restrict driving privileges on military installations or bases for up to a year for the first offense. For subsequent offenses, the suspension period may be longer or total, or restrict driving to specific areas. Commands must document DUI incidents using Administrative Remarks, CG-3307.
- Career Consequences: DUIs can affect security clearances, promotions, and re-enlistment, and may lead to administrative separation or Other Than Honorable discharge, which can severely impact a service member's career and military benefits.
