Woman airlifted after pulling into SUV?s path

A Rock Island woman was critically injured Sunday night when she pulled into the path of an alleged drunk driver on Smithville Highway in front of Delores? Market.

The victim, Candice Zweifel, 23, is listed in stable condition at Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga after being airlifted to the facility from the scene of the accident late Sunday. She had to be cut from the wreckage by members of the Warren County Emergency Ambulance Service and North Warren Fire Department. She was airlifted from a nearby field located in front of the Courtney Ann subdivision.

According to Highway Patrolman Donnie Clark, the accident happened around 10:40 p.m. Sunday on Smithville Highway at its intersection with Grizzle Road.

A preliminary investigation reveals Zweifel was at the stop sign on Grizzle Road when she pulled into the path of the northbound Jeep driven by Patrick Lee, 39, of Smithville.

Her vehicle was then struck in the driver?s side by the oncoming vehicle. It is unknown why Zweifel pulled in front of the oncoming vehicle given the absence of other traffic that hour of the evening. Zweifel was the lone occupant of her vehicle while Lee was uninjured in the crash.

Although not at fault in the wreck, Lee was arrested for drunk driving after lawmen discovered he was allegedly under the influence. He was additionally charged with driving on a suspended license.