Alleged drunk driver crashes into farm fence, flees

HURON TWP. — A woman who was allegedly impaired crashed her car into a farm fence in Huron Township late Sunday before fleeing the scene. Lily A. Duke, 22, of the 2200 block of Karl-Anne Drive in Sandusky, is facing one felony count of assault on a peace officer. She is additionally charged with three misdemeanors: OVI, resisting arrest and open container of alcohol, according to information from the Erie County Sheriff's Office and Sandusky police. Just after 9:30 p.m., first responders were called to the 3700 block of E. Perkins Ave. for a report of a red sedan that struck a farm fence and left. The caller reported that animals within the enclosure were attempting to escape through the hole in the fence. When a deputy and an officer arrived, they found an approximately 4-foot section of fence damaged. Two donkeys were seen grazing on grass near the hole. The bumper of the vehicle that struck the fence was still at the scene. Deputies were able to contact the farm's manager, who arrived and brought the animals into the barn. A Huron Township worker installed snow fencing near the hole as a temporary fix. The red sedan was found at a gas station in the 1600 block of Cleveland Road (U.S. 6) in Sandusky with the driver asleep at the wheel. EMTs were summoned to check Duke for possible injuries, according to a Sandusky police report. She reportedly refused to exit the ambulance so officers were summoned to escort her to a cruiser. On her way to the cruiser, Duke forcefully kicked the open passenger side door on her car and nearly fell on her face, but two officers had a firm grip on her and prevented the fall. Once at the cruiser, Duke allegedly refused to get in and screamed at officers. At one point, she allegedly kicked a police officer in the left knee. Officers then used reasonable force to assist Duke into the cruiser. As officers read the BMV form that is read to all OVI suspects, Duke continued to scream. She reportedly said she was not going to take the "stupid test," and was marked as an OVI refusal. She was taken to the Erie County Jail, where she continued her turbulent behavior. At one point, she allegedly attempted to kick a corrections officer in the head. Due to the ongoing behavior, she was placed in a restraint chair. As of Monday afternoon, Duke is held in jail under a $12,000 bond. The vehicle was towed away from the gas station.