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Driver in wrong-way crash had a blood alcohol level more than three times over limit

Stuart Riley Miller, 30, of Kamas, has been formally charged with automobile homicide. Miller was driving the wrong-way along Interstate 80 when he crashed head-on into a vehicle driven by Amanda K. Streit, 39, of Park City. She was pronounced deceased at the scene. (Courtesy of the Summit County Sheriff s Office)
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The Kamas man involved in the deadly wrong-way crash on Monday night that took the life of a Park City woman had a blood alcohol level that was reportedly more than three times over the legal limit, according to court documents.

Thursday, Stuart Riley Miller, 30, was formally charged in Summit County’s 3rd District Court with one count of automobile homicide, a second-degree felony, and open container in a vehicle, a Class C misdemeanor. Automobile homicide, which is the most serious charge, is punishable upon conviction by between one and 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

At around 7:51 p.m. on Monday night, the Summit County Dispatch Center received reports about a gray GMC Yukon XL traveling at a "very high rate of speed" eastbound in the westbound lanes of I-80 near Kimball Junction.

Utah Highway Patrol Sgt. Todd Royce said witnesses reported seeing Miller’s vehicle enter the westbound off-ramp at the Kimball Junction interchange.

"He either got on the off-ramp or turned around on the off-ramp and went the wrong way," Royce said. "Either way he was on the off-ramp when he was first noticed going the wrong way and I don’t know how they could tell, but we were getting reports he was traveling in excess of 95 miles per hour."

Before Utah Highway Patrol troopers could stop Miller’s vehicle, it crashed into a Saturn Vue, driven by Amanda K. Streit, 39, of Park City, that was heading westbound. Streit was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The accident occurred near mile post 146, just east of Kimball Junction. No passengers were in either vehicle and no other cars were involved.

According to court documents, after the accident Miller was seen "walking around the Yukon shortly after the crash." A small, half-empty bottle of Jim Beam was found in the center console of Miller’s vehicle.

Miller was transported to Park City Medical Center with minor injuries. When he was met by a trooper at the hospital, the trooper smelled alcohol and "observed that Miller’s eyes were bloodshot," according to court documents. A blood test conducted by the hospital revealed Miller had a blood-alcohol concentration of .279 grams per deciliter of blood. The legal limit is .08.

Royce said that the State Bureau of Investigation is also conducting a TRACE (Target Responsibility for Alcohol Connected Emergencies) investigation to "discover the source of the alcohol that may have contributed to the incident." During a TRACE investigation, Utah Department of Public Safety agents will attempt to identify where the alcoholic beverages were purchased or served.

Miller’s bail has been set at $50,000 cash only. His first court appearance is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Monday, April 4. Ryan Stack, Summit County prosecuting attorney, said he is unaware if Miller has hired an attorney.

Stack said the "ultimate goal" in a case like this is to "see that justice is done and that the victim and the victim’s family have a voice."

Summit County

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