DUI rollover accident in South Lake Tahoe lands local man in jail

A single car rollover accident on Pioneer Trail in South Lake Tahoe in the early mornings hours on Friday led to the arrest of the driver, and a trip to the hospital for his passenger.

On July 3, 2015, at about 2:00 a.m., the South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to a reported single vehicle rollover traffic collision on Pioneer Trail near Woodbine Road. When officers arrived on scene, they found a blue Chevrolet Trailblazer resting on its roof.

The driver of the Trailblazer was identified as 27-year-old Benjamin Bassett of South Lake Tahoe. Investigation revealed that Bassett was traveling west-bound on Pioneer Trail in excess of 50 MPH where the speed limit is 35 MPH.

Further investigation into the cause of the traffic collision showed that Bassett was traveling west bound on Pioneer Trail in excess of 50 MPH and was under the influence of alcohol. The posted safe speed on Pioneer Trail in this area is 35 MPH. Later tests showed that Bassett’s blood alcohol concentration was in excess of .11%, above the legal limit of .08%.

An unidentified passenger in Bassett's car was transported to Barton Hospital with minor injuries. Bassett was arrested and booked into the El Dorado County Jail for driving while under the influence of alcohol causing injury, a felony. He was still listed as an inmate on Saturday afternoon with bail set at $50,000.

The South Lake Tahoe Police Department will have extra officers working over this holiday weekend targeting DUI drivers.