For the second time in five days, another Ceres Police patrol vehicle was hit Monday evening by an alleged intoxicated driver.

Arrested was DUI suspect Cynthia Rae Winkler, 64, of Ceres.

The latest crash occurred at approximately 10:44 p.m. while police were responding to a call in the 2300 block of Herndon Road. While stopped in the northbound turn lane of Herndon Road, a Ceres Police patrol sergeant saw a southbound vehicle coming toward him. The sergeant activated emergency lights in an attempt to get Winkler’s attention but she collided with the SUV head-on.

The sergeant sustained minor injuries which were treated at the scene.

Other officers responded to the scene and immediately detected a strong odor of alcohol on Winkler, who was not injured, and observed signs of intoxication. They conducted field sobriety tests, which provided probable cause to believe Winkler was intoxicated. Her blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was determined to be nearly three times the legal limit to drive.

Winkler was on active probation for a prior DUI conviction. She was arrested and booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center on felony charges of driving under the influence of alcohol.

The prior collision was considered a minor collision.

The Ceres Police Department reminds drivers that driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is dangerous and illegal.

“DUI crashes put lives at risk, including innocent motorists, pedestrians and first responders,” said Ceres Police Lt. Jeff Godfrey.

Those who you plan to drink should designate a sober driver, use a rideshare service, or call a friend or family member for a safe ride home.

If you see an impaired driver on the road, call 911 immediately.