County Clerk's 2011 Hit-And-Run Victim Speaks Out

The DUI arrest of Oklahoma County Clerk Carolynn Caudill is not her first run-in with the law. News 9 is learning more about the elected official's driving record.

In May 2011, police say Caudill was seen driving recklessly and leaving the scene of an accident on Lake Hefner Parkway. Caudill's lawyer was able to get the hit-and-run violation reduced to a mere speeding ticket, allowing Caudill to dodge scrutiny until now.

"The woman is driving crazy," a witness told 911 dispatch on May 6, 2011. "She's swerving in and out of lanes."

The county clerk's blue Mercedes was seen weaving a path of chaos along a busy Oklahoma City highway.

9/19/2013 Related Story: 911 Caller Speaks Out About Okla. County Clerk's Alleged Drunken Driving

"There's a lot of cars behind me because they're all trying to get her off the road," the caller told the operator.

Many people were able to avoid Caudill's driving, but Gail Sumpter wasn't as fortunate.

"I turned around to watch the traffic, and all I saw was a blue vehicle right there in my window … As soon as I saw it, she slammed into the side of my vehicle," Sumpter said.

After the high-speed side swipe, Sumpter says she started pull over but the Caudill had other plans.

"She didn't stop," said Sumpter. "She kept going."

Police say Caudill drove for two miles until she arrived at her northwest Oklahoma City home. Witnesses then saw Caudill pull into her garage.

9/19/2013 Related Story: 911 Audio Released In OK County Clerk DUI Case 

"The garage door went down and, obviously, the person driving the car went inside," Sgt. Jennifer Wardlow said.

When police arrived at Caudill's home, the county clerk would not answer her door, so officers were not able administer a breathalyzer. Sumpter went the hospital with a stiff neck and beat-up car. Caudill stayed out of the limelight, until Tuesday's DUI arrest just north of Nichols Hills.

"I think the woman needs to be out of office if she can't control her problems," Sumpter said. "She needs to go and have some help. She could have ran over anybody and killed them. You can't drink and drive."

Caudill has not been seen in her county office since her arrest. Her attorney, Shawn Jefferson, says what happened in 2011 should be looked at as nothing more than a speeding ticket.

9/18/2013 Related Story: Oklahoma County Clerk Arrested For DUI