A US County Sheriff has been showered with praise on social media – after his wife was arrested following a crash that saw a Tesla motor car smash into a home in the Bay Area of California.
Sonoma County Sheriff Eddie Engram took to Facebook after the incident in Santa Rosa, to express concern for his wife – and for the “well-being of the person inside the home who suffered injuries”. He said his wife was “involved in a DUI crash”.
Santa Rosa Police said that a resident – a woman in her 50s – “suffered a minor cut from shards of glass” – after a Tesla “appeared to have left the roadway, hit a fence and a tree before colliding with the front of the residence”. Natasha Whittinghill, 47, is suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and injuring another person in the collision, according to Santa Rosa Police.
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In his Facebook post, Sheriff Engram said: “As Sheriff, I always aim to be open and honest with the community I proudly serve. And that’s what leads me to share with you this message, as personal and as painful as it is for our family. I wanted you to hear it from me first.
“Last night my wife was involved in a DUI crash. Her car hit a house, causing damage, and the one person inside the home was injured. As was appropriate, she was arrested and is facing DUI-related charges in the incident being handled by the Santa Rosa Police Department.
“As a husband, I am greatly concerned about my wife’s well-being. As a citizen and Sheriff, I am also concerned about the well-being of the person inside the home who suffered injuries.
“I understand that our community will have more questions and want answers. So do I. However, because this incident is being investigated by Santa Rosa, in order to avoid any potential conflict of interest, Santa Rosa Police Department will be handling media inquiries.”
The post has garnered much support and praise for the Sheriff. Todd Hart said: “Sheriff Engram in all of my years as a LEO [Law Enforcement Officer] how I wished I would have worked under someone like you. I can’t imagine what it would be like to be in your shoes right now.
“But, know that I support you even more today than I have. You truly are someone that exemplifies the code of ethics in law enforcement. Thank you for being upfront and honest.”
Nicola Prince commented: “That’s amazing… I’m sorry it takes a real man to own his shit! I’m proud to say that he is awesome to address the issue head on…
“Most people try to hide the issues. We are all human and things happen. And to be honest and open to the people takes some guts.. good for him to address it. And hopefully they will get help and counseling.. and thank the lord no one was killed in this accident.. and she can get help.”
Karen Alves wrote: “Sheriff Engram, you were not my choice on the ballot but I will give you credit where credit is due. This press release had to be painful for you, your wife, and your family members. You did the courageous thing today. Thank you for looking out for all parties involved. Healing thoughts for the victim and their family too.”
Monique Welin commented: “I have never seen an individual be so unabashed with honesty about an unfortunate incident! I have to say you are a stand up man indeed….
“I really appreciate you are the man you said you were! An accountable man and a responsible man too.”
In a statement on social media, the Santa Rosa Police Department said: “On May 20, 2023, at 12:51 am, the Santa Rosa Police Department received several calls about a vehicle that drove into a residence in the 5200-block of Beaumont Way, Santa Rosa. One of the homeowners also called SRPD and indicated that a grey Tesla drove into the front of their home.
“One of the residents (a female in her 50’s) suffered minor cut from shards of glass. The resident was later transported to a local hospital for treatment.
“When officers arrived on scene, they contacted the female driver of the Tesla. The Tesla appeared to have left the roadway, hit a fence and a tree before colliding with the front of the residence.
“The driver was identified as Natasha Whittinghill, a 47-year-old Santa Rosa resident. Based on the officer’s observations and the collision, officers initiated a DUI investigation. At the end of the investigation, officers determined that Whittinghill was under the influence at a level that impaired her ability to driver a motor vehicle.
“Based on the DUI investigation, evidence on scene, and the injury to a resident as a result of the collision, Whittinghill was arrested for felony DUI that caused injury. Whittinghill was later booked into the Sonoma County Jail without incident.”
