Police Detail How Drinking Then Driving a Golf Cart Ended in Tragedy

SAN ANGELO, TX — Details regarding the fatal crash at Bentwood Country Club Estates that claimed the life of a 41-year-old man have been released.

Last week, Emilee Krieger, 29, was arrested for intoxication assault with a vehicle causing serious bodily injury after Dustin Patino, 41, was thrown from a golf cart. Patino suffered serious injuries, including a potentially fractured skull and a possible broken rib. According to the San Angelo Police Department, Patino died from his injuries on July 2, 2024.

According to court documents, on June 29, 2024, at 6:16 p.m., San Angelo police officers were dispatched to the 5500 block of Enclave Court regarding a major motor vehicle crash. Upon arrival, Krieger was identified as the driver of a Trojan-EV golf cart.

The golf cart was carrying multiple passengers. Officers learned that one of the back passengers, Patino, was being treated by EMS medics from the San Angelo Fire Department after being thrown from the vehicle during the crash. Patino was ejected when a safety rail failed during a sharp turn made by Krieger.

A sergeant with the San Angelo Police Department reported that Patino suffered a fractured skull and potential internal bleeding. He was transported to Shannon Medical Center for further treatment. Preliminary observations suggested that Krieger had been drinking and was possibly under the influence of alcohol.

Investigators interviewed medical professionals at Shannon Medical Center, where Patino was being treated in the emergency room. A doctor indicated that Patino had likely sustained a skull fracture, resulting in additional hemorrhaging and a rib fracture. These injuries were potentially life-threatening. Patino was referred to neurology for further medical intervention.

One of the first officers on the scene told investigators that Patino was unconscious and experienced seizures during his initial treatment.

A DWI investigation conducted by San Angelo police gathered probable cause to believe that Krieger was intoxicated, leading to her arrest and the pursuit of a breath sample.

Investigators inspected the crash site and the Trojan-EV golf cart at the 5500 block of Enclave Court. They noted that a safety rail on a bench seat had broken at the base due to strain. Additional inspection found the golf cart's top speed was 25 miles per hour.

Investigators also consulted a member of the San Angelo Police Department’s Motor Division, who observed markings indicating the path of the golf cart in an arc shape, suggesting a turn was made.

Arrest documents show that officers conducted a Standardized Field Sobriety Test on Krieger. The results indicated 4 out of 6 clues on the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test, 7 out of 8 clues on the Walk and Turn Test, and 3 out of 4 clues on the One Leg Stand Test. Subsequent Intoxilyzer testing yielded two samples showing a Blood Alcohol Concentration of 0.150 g/210L.

Krieger was arrested and booked into the Tom Green County Jail on June 29, 2024, for intoxication assault with a vehicle causing serious bodily injury and was released on June 30, 2024, on a $2,500 bond.