Amandria Brunner, a prominent member of Marquette University's women's lacrosse team, has been formally charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI) following an incident that caused substantial damage to property.
The 21-year-old athlete was reportedly involved in a single-vehicle collision in the early hours of a Saturday morning. According to court documents, Brunner's blood alcohol content was measured at a staggering 0.21%, more than double Wisconsin's legal limit of 0.08%.
Details of the Incident
The alleged offence occurred near the university campus in Milwaukee. Police reports indicate that Brunner was driving a black 2021 Ford Edge when she struck and severely damaged a light pole and a fire hydrant. The impact was significant enough to deploy the vehicle's airbags.
Authorities were alerted to the scene after the collision was reported. Upon arrival, officers noted clear signs of impairment. Brunner allegedly admitted to consuming alcohol before driving and subsequently failed a series of field sobriety tests.
University and Team Implications
As a student-athlete representing Marquette University, a respected Division I programme, Brunner's charges carry consequences beyond the legal system. The university's athletic department has a strict code of conduct for its players, which may lead to disciplinary action from both the institution and the athletic conference.
The case has drawn attention to the ongoing issue of drunk driving among university students and athletes specifically. Brunner is scheduled to make her initial court appearance in the coming weeks, where she will formally answer to the criminal charges.
