U.S. soldier arrested in drunk driving accident with stolen car: Police

A photo of Goyang Police Station in Gyeonggi [JOONGANG PHOTO]

A United States Forces Korea (USFK) service member was arrested after causing an accident while driving under the influence with a stolen vehicle, police said Monday.

According to the Goyang Police Precinct, a USFK soldier in their 20s deployed at a base in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi, stole a car in Mapo District, western Seoul, between Saturday night and early Sunday.

The soldier drove the stolen car and hit two vehicles, including a truck, while they were waiting for the traffic light to change at 6:17 a.m. Sunday.

Police apprehended the soldier after the crash.

Two people were injured in the accident, according to the police.

The soldier was found to have stolen a parked car, in which the owner left their keys, after drinking alcohol in the Hongdae area.

The police said they presumed the soldier was driving under the influence based on the soldier’s condition after being apprehended.

Police said the soldier had difficulty taking a breathalyzer due to breathing problems.

The police measured the soldier's blood alcohol level and issued an arrest warrant after apprehending them.

The police turned the soldier over to the USFK under the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) and plan to officially investigate the case together with the U.S. military.

BY KIM JI-YE [kim.jiye@joongang.co.kr]