Drunk driver causes fatal crash, killing one and injuring others

ALTO – Our news partner KETK reports that a woman is dead and others are injured after an Alto man was arrested for intoxication manslaughter with a vehicle on Monday.

According to Cherokee County arrest records, Samuel Lee Schlemmer was driving fast on FM 1911 towards U.S. Highway 69 when he drove past a stop sign and crashed into another vehicle with three passengers.

Officials said a woman was taken by EMS, but did not survive her injuries, the other two passengers were taken to a local hospital.

Schlemmer participated in a sobriety test after authorities saw open alcohol containers in his truck, along with observing his slurred speech and bloodshot eyes.

During the tests, Schlemmer showed signs of being intoxicated before being placed under arrest, records indicate. Authorities obtained a warrant for his blood, which was collected at a later time.

Schlemmer told authorities he had a pistol in his truck, which was taken as evidence. According to records, Schlemmer is facing five charges, including intoxicated manslaughter with a vehicle, two counts of intoxication assault with a vehicle, unlawful carrying of a weapon, and disregard of a stop sign.

Details about the woman who died have not been released at this time.