By Travis Uresk
3/7/24
Vernal, Ut.— On March 2nd, 2024, in the area of 1200 W US-40, a red Ford Bronco was leaving the Wendy's parking lot traveling east. The vehicle quickly turned into the inside lane, barely avoiding a collision with a semi and another passenger car as it was still turning and drifting from the inside to outside lanes.
The vehicle started accelerating as Cpl Ross began getting closer to conduct a traffic stop. The officer activated his overhead emergency lights and followed the vehicle into the Burger King parking lot.
The driver and only occupant inside was identified as 46-year-old Erminda Christina Cruz.
“While speaking with Erminda, I noticed she had difficulty standing still, and when she did stand still, she could not stand up straight. Erminda appeared to slur her words, spoke quickly, and had difficulty focusing. Erminda was upset and would go back and forth from yelling and flailing her arms to crying and being quiet."
Dispatch confirmed that Cruz had a suspended/revoked driver's license out of California and was required to have an ignition interlock device installed in her car, which she did not have. Cruz was told multiple times to stop yelling while out with the officers.
Cruz was asked to perform the Standard Field Sobriety Test, to which she agreed. Because of the wind and bad weather, the tests were performed inside the Burger King lobby.
After the tests were complete, it was determined Cruz was unable to operate a vehicle safely and was placed in handcuffs. A criminal history check out of California showed on 5/16/22, Cruz was found to be on court probation, and it stated she was to "consume no alcohol" until 11/30/28.
Cruz was advised of her Miranda Rights and agreed to speak with Cpl Ross.
Cruz stated she drank an entire bottle of Nyquil, which she believed to be approximately 12oz. She was taken to the Uintah County Jail and later released.
Vernal, Ut.— On March 5th, 2024, at 2:50 pm, Officer McCurdy heard a broadcast on the radio Attempt to Locate (ATL) for a possible DUI driver.
Call notes indicated a female was leaving the Uintah County Care Center at 500 West 510 South, traveling westbound on 500 South. It was reported that the female was intoxicated while inside the care center.
The vehicle was described as a newer red Ford Bronco. Officer McCurdy suspected the female driver, 46-year-old Erminda Christina Cruz, of being stopped in the exact vehicle on Sunday, March 3rd, 2024.
Officer McCurdy was near 1350 West when he saw the red Ford Bronco traveling North in his direction. The Bronco stopped at 1350 West 200 South intersection and turned eastbound with the officer not far behind.
The officer watched Cruz turn and continue northbound, then stop at the intersection.
The officer turned around and caught up to the Bronco to initiate a traffic stop at the Aspen Drive and 150 South intersection. Officer McCurdy, who had assisted other officers, knew that Cruz had a revoked driver's license.
Cruz was requested to perform the Standard Field Sobriety Tests, and she consented. It was determined Cruz was unable to operate a vehicle safely and was placed in handcuffs.
Cruz consented to a blood draw at the Uintah Basin Hospital and was then transported to the Uintah County Jail.
This is my sister Mindy Cruz, They should have never her out of prison. She is still drinking and driving. She left Utah to come back to California and had the power turn off. The house was my mother's she is renting without my Mom's permission. She also came by my home in Encino, California and tried to break down the door. She was drunk with Nate Sunkess The manager told them to leave or he was going to call the police. Erminda Cruz, should be in prison and not walking the streets or drive a car she has no driver's lisence and no car insurance. And the car she is driving is going to be repossessed.