NU Regent Elizabeth O’Connor charged with DUI in serious injury crash

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A University of Nebraska regent is accused of drunken driving in a crash that left someone with life-threatening injuries.

Elizabeth O’Connor was arrested last week on suspicion of DUI causing serious bodily injury, which is a felony.

She appeared in court Friday and paid $2,500 in bail to be released from jail.

The crash happened on May 21 near 63rd and Blondo streets in Omaha, according to court records.

O’Connor had bloodshot/watery eyes, slurred speech and the smell of alcohol on her breath, an arrest affidavit says.

Police said there was a half-empty bottle of Fireball whiskey in her Subaru.

Her blood alcohol content level was 0.321%, according to the Omaha Police Department, which is four times the legal limit.

Investigators determined that O’Connor was going east on Blondo and crossed into oncoming traffic, hitting a Ford Focus.

The front passenger of the Ford was taken to the Nebraska Medical Center with life-threatening injuries, according to the affidavit.

Police said the passenger suffered a broken back and a broken pelvis.

O’Connor was first elected to the Board of Regents in 2018 and was reelected last year.

She represents District 4, which covers eastern Douglas County, including downtown and midtown Omaha.

O’Connor is also a deputy Douglas County attorney.

Under the conditions of her bond, O’Connor will not be allowed to possess alcohol or to travel more than 10 miles outside of Douglas County.

Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 9.