Two Hit by Drunk Driver on RAGBRAI

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) — RAGBRAI has officially kicked off, but there was already an accident on the events first day.

Authorities say two people participating in an annual bike ride across Iowa were struck and injured by an intoxicated driver.

According to police, Bruce and Barbara Blair of Hudson, Wisconsin, were riding a tandem bike early Sunday morning as part of The Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa — or RAGBRAI— when they were struck by 36-year-old Charryse Chavez of Sioux City.

Police say Chavez ignored an officer controlling traffic at an intersection and drove through. Sioux City Police Sgt. Jim Cunningham said Chavez was arrested about block away.

The victims were transported to a hospital, where Bruce Blair remains in stable condition. Barbara Blair was treated and released.

Chavez has been charged with a second offense of operating while intoxicated, failure to obey a police officer and having no insurance. It was unclear if she has an attorney.