WEST MELBOURNE, Fla. – A West Melbourne woman has been arrested after investigators determined she was more than three times the legal alcohol limit when she caused a rollover crash that seriously injured multiple people earlier this year, according to the West Melbourne Police Department.
Jessica Elizabeth Rua, 31, was taken into custody following the completion of a months-long traffic crash investigation stemming from a Feb. 28 collision.
According to investigators, Rua was driving a green Toyota Tacoma on the evening of Feb. 28 when she crashed into multiple vehicles, seriously injuring several people.
As part of the investigation, crash investigators obtained Rua’s medical records through the legal process. Police said those records showed her blood alcohol concentration at the time of the crash was 0.294, more than three times Florida’s legal limit of 0.08.
Investigators also obtained dash camera footage from a witness that captured the violent rollover crash.
Following the investigation, detectives worked with the Office of the State Attorney to establish probable cause for Rua’s arrest.
Rua has been charged with four felony counts of driving under the influence causing serious bodily injury, one count of driving under the influence and one count of driving under the influence causing property damage or personal injury.
She was transported to the Brevard County Jail, where she is being held on a $10,750 bond.
Lt. Graig Erenstoft said the arrest reflects the dedication of crash investigators and prosecutors who worked together to thoroughly investigate the case and seek accountability for the victims.
The West Melbourne Police Department also reminded motorists that impaired driving is entirely preventable and encouraged anyone who plans to drink alcohol to use a designated driver, rideshare service or other safe transportation.
Because charges have been filed but the case has not been adjudicated, the investigation remains ongoing.