A Nevada City teenager was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence after a head-on crash at 6 a.m. Tuesday.

Jenna Sauter, 18, was driving a Honda Accord at a high rate of speed on Lama Rica Drive near the airport when she crossed over the double yellow line and hit Michelle Land, 52, who was driving a Chevrolet Blazer.

Sauter allegedly was driving about 55 mph on a 35 mph zone and lost control of her car on a downhill curve of the road, which was wet from periodic rain, said California Highway Patrol Officer Marc Morrison. Sauter's Accord hit Land's Blazer head-on, causing major damage.

Land sustained a compression fracture of the spine and was taken by ambulance to Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital.



Sauter complained of pain and was also taken to the hospital. She was determined to have been driving while under the influence of alcohol, Morrison said. She was being booked into county jail on suspicion of driving under the influence and causing an injury, as well as being an unlicensed driver.

To contact Staff Writer Liz Kellar, e-mail lkellar@theunion.com or call (530) 477-4229.