It was still mid-morning when a routine drive through Portsmouth turned into flashing lights, a wrecked car, and a trip to the county jail. Police say what started as a crash on 12th Street quickly revealed something far more dangerous.
💥 Morning Crash on 12th & Offnere
- Just before 11 a.m., officers rushed to a crash at the busy intersection of 12th Street and Offnere.
- A tow truck was called to haul away the damaged vehicle.
- Behind the wheel? Jamie Clay—who didn’t just get a traffic ticket.
🚔 From Wreck to Jail
- Officers determined Clay was driving under the influence.
- She was booked into the Scioto County Jail on an OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) charge.
- Police also cited her for failing to maintain an assured clear distance—a fancy way of saying she was following too closely before the crash.
⚖️ Courtroom Consequences
- Clay appeared in Portsmouth Municipal Court, where her bond was set at $1,000.
- She’s due back for a pre-trial hearing on September 16.
- This isn’t her first run-in with the law: Clay has faced previous charges for drug abuse and theft.
🚫 Why OVI Is a Bigger Deal Than You Think
Driving under the influence isn’t just about risking a ticket. Every time someone gets behind the wheel impaired, they put:
🚗 Other drivers at risk
🚶 Pedestrians in danger
💸 Their wallet and freedom on the line
💡 In Ohio, an OVI can mean jail time, steep fines, license suspension, and a permanent record.
National Statistics Show: On average, a person will drive drunk around 80 times before their first arrest.
👉 The takeaway? Don’t risk it. Call a friend, order a ride, or just stay put. One bad decision behind the wheel can cost more than you’re ready to pay.