On the evening of December 26, 2023, at approximately 7:00 PM, Trooper Cody Sagnibene responded to a reported two-vehicle crash on SH-11. Deputy Murray had informed him of a potential alcohol odor emanating from one of the drivers, who was requesting transportation to the hospital due to foot pain.
Upon arrival at the scene, Trooper Sagnibene observed two vehicles in the ditch north of SH-11. Following a crash investigation, it became apparent that the driver of a Tan 2011 Kia Sorento, identified as 52-year-old Mindi Taylor, had turned in front of another motorist, leading to the collision.
The Tan 2011 Kia Sorento was released on the scene to Taylor's relatives. Trooper Sagnibene then proceeded to Christus Mother Frances Hospital, where he made contact with Taylor, who exhibited signs of alcohol consumption. Taylor admitted to having consumed one mixed drink containing rum and had difficulty recalling the details of the crash.
During field sobriety tests, Taylor displayed several clues on the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN), Walk and Turn, and One Leg Stand tests. Trooper Sagnibene concluded that Taylor had lost the normal use of her mental and physical faculties due to the introduction of alcohol into her body.
Following the administration of a DIC-24 Statutory Warning, Taylor consented to a blood draw. After the blood draw, she was transported to Hopkins County Jail, where she was was charged with Driving While Intoxicated (DWI).
