Drunken driving was behind the car accident that sent a University student to Columbus Regional Medical Center Friday night, according to police officials.
Shouju Chen, 35, one of the University's visiting exchange scholars, received life-threatening injuries after she was struck by Thomas Latham, a pre-business sophomore.
Latham was arrested and booked at the Lee County Detention Center. He was bonded out the following day for an undisclosed amount, said a spokesman for the detention center.
Latham submitted to breath and blood tests that revealed he was over the limit. The Auburn Police Department has not released his blood alcohol level.
"I don't know what kind of a court date he has for his DUI appearance," said Capt. Tom Stofer of the APD. "Once we arrested him, we transported him over to the jail, and it's up to the judicial system after that."
Auburn police could be seen taking measurements of the crime scene this morning on Magnolia Avenue.
"That's a routine part of accident investigation on any serious type accident," Stofer said.
Stofer defined a serious accident as one that involves serious injury or death.
Once the department is done investigating Friday night's accident, it will submit a package to the district attorney's office, but Stofer said it is too soon to know when that will be.
The only charge laid against Latham by the APD now is DUI, but Stofer said that could change after the district attorney reviews the case.
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