For one resident, the world turned on its side Tuesday morning.
Sara Gualtieri, 60, was driving a navy 2008 Chevrolet Suburban on the corner of East Rosemary St. and Henderson St. at 11:37 a.m. when she lost control of her vehicle while attempting to text.
Lt. Kevin Gunter, spokesman for the Chapel Hill Police Department, said Gualtieri was charged with a DWI, texting while driving and reckless driving.
Upon bringing Gualtieri into custody, Gunter said police found that her blood alcohol level was .15 — .07 more than the legal limit.
Gunter said the magistrate released Gualtieri on an unsecured bond and her first court date is today. The police department does not have any existing records on Gualtieri.
Gunter said seeing a DWI so early in the day is extremely rare.
“This is definitely an unusual time of day to see this type of case,” he said.
After Gualtieri lost control, the vehicle mounted the curb along the right side of Rosemary Street and started to climb the guide wire along the edge of the sidewalk before crashing onto its driver’s side.
Gualtieri was alone in the car when she lost control and no others were involved in the accident.
