Murder Charge Possible For Suspected Drunk Driver Involved In Fatal Pott. Co. Crash

MAUD, Oklahoma – News 9

Pottawatomie County District Attorney Allan Grubb told News 9 on Friday he is considering a second-degree murder charge for James Lewis in connection with a fatal crash earlier this week.

On Monday evening, Oklahoma State Highway Patrol troopers arrested Lewis after he was involved in a 3-way crash on Highway 9a, north of Maud.

“It appears that the driver went off the road on the passenger side, overcorrected and hit an oncoming car,” Grubb said. “It appears his significant other in the car described him as not being completely sober.”

Lewis allegedly drove head-on into and Rebecca McBroom’s vehicle. Both cars were carrying one passenger.

McBroom’s car rolled into a ditch and onto its side as a result of the collision.

In total, eight individuals were inside the three cars at the time of the crash, including two children. Emergency responders transported Lewis and McBroom to OU Medical Center.

McBroom, 62, was pronounced dead at the hospital.

A probable cause affidavit written by troopers said the passenger in Lewis’ car said after the crash that he “had drank (sic) a bottle of tequila about an hour prior to the collision.”

Troopers also wrote that Lewis smelled like alcohol at the hospital.

Grubb said his office plans to file criminal charges as serious as second-degree murder against Lewis in the coming days. He said his office is still waiting for a toxicology report to determine Lewis’ blood alcohol content after the crash.

“When somebody gets behind the wheel drunk, they are choosing to put somebody else’s life in danger,” Grubb said.