Delmont rollover leads to DUI charge against Mitchell teen

DELMONT — A Mitchell driver was arrested on multiple charges Thursday following a rollover accident that involved two passengers, also from Mitchell.

The accident occurred around 7 a.m. about 3.5 miles north of Delmont on 402nd Avenue.

Billy Cross, 19, was arrested on charges of driving under the influence, driving with a suspended license, careless driving and failure to wear a seat belt. He was released on a personal recognizance bond following treatment for bumps and bruises at Douglas County Memorial Hospital in Armour. He has an Aug. 16 court date in Armour.

Cross allegedly told Trooper Dan Podzimek he was driving north on 402nd Avenue, swerved to avoid an animal and lost control of his 1999 Chevrolet Venture van. The van went into the east ditch, rolled once and landed on its wheels. Passenger Jesse Felix, 19 — who was seated in the back of the van and was not wearing a seat belt — was ejected. He received some minor cuts to his back, but was otherwise uninjured and refused medical attention, Podzimek said.

Passenger Chance Patterson, 18, who was in the front passenger seat, was wearing a seat belt and was not injured.

Podzimek said he ordered a blood test at the hospital after noticing an odor of alcohol on Cross’ breath. The result of that test was not immediately available.

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