Woman pleads guilty to DUI in Pipe Creek rollover

A Libby woman has pleaded guilty to drinking and driving last month when she rolled an ATV on Pipe Creek Road last month.

Patricia Darlene Wuest, 59, of Libby, pleaded guilty to diving under the influence of alcohol. Justice of the Peace Jay Sheffield sentenced her to 180 days in the county jail with 179 suspended, along with a $600 fine and a requirement to enroll in the assessment course treatment progam.

Wuest was arrested on June 22 for her first driving under the influence charge. According to his report, Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Anthony Jenson responded to a dispatch call on Pipe Creek Road, where he found a wrecked ATV, Wuest and her husband Walter, who had sustained several injuries in the crash. Wuest admitted she had been driving, according to the report, which also noted that she had driven off the west side of the road, overcorrected and lost control of the vehicle. The ATV rolled, coming to rest on Walter’s head after he was ejected.

Wuest’s breathalizer sample showed a blood-alcohol content higher than the legal limit and Walter was transported to Cabinet Peaks Medical Center.

Walter is now out of the hospital.

Reporter Seaborn Larson may be reached at 293-4124 or by email at slarson@dailyinterlake.com