A drunk driver who crashed into a fire hydrant creating a sinkhole that swallowed her car has been ordered to work with the trash department.
Alexandrea Runyon, 21, of Lady Lake, had been at the wheel of a 2004 Buick Century at 2:04 a.m. March 15 on U.S. Hwy. 441 at SE 156th Place in Summerfield when her vehicle hit a fire hydrant, according to a report from the Florida Highway Patrol.
As a result of the collision, the fire hydrant started to spew water on the roadway and on the north shoulder of the roadway. It created a sinkhole 20 feet wide and 8 feet deep, the report said.
Runyon’s car became entrapped in the bottom of the hole.
After she was freed from the vehicle, Runyon was arrested on a charge of driving under the influence.
Last week in Marion County Court, Ruynon entered a plea of no contest in the case.
She has been placed on probation for one year, will lose her driver’s license for six months and has been ordered not to consume or possess alcohol. She will have to submit to random screenings at her own expense.
Runyon also has been ordered to complete 80 hours of community service with the Marion County Solid Waste Department. She will have to pay $8,910.72 for the damage she caused on the night of the accident.
In 2017, Runyon had been arrested after she and a man traveling in a car with a one-year-old were found to be in possession of drugs. She was allowed to enter into a pre-trial diversion program after that arrest. However, due to the fire hydrant crash, the 2017 case is being re-opened in Sumter County Court. Runyon is due for a pre-trial hearing on Wednesday.