By Tim Brouk
tbrouk@journalandcourier.com

Linda and Gregg Sutter got a rude awakening before dawn Saturday.

A 1992 Chevrolet driven by Robert F. Rhode struck a tree in the Sutters' front yard at 10547 U.S. 52 S., about 12 miles south of Tippecanoe Mall.

"He took the tree down and totaled my flower bed, uprooted many, many lilies and a big perennial bed I weeded the day before," Linda Sutter said.

Rhode was ejected from the vehicle and taken to Home Hospital, where he is in serious condition with rib injuries.

He had been traveling north on U.S. 52 when he drove off the road, rolled and smashed into the tree. Rhode was the only occupant in the now-totaled vehicle.

"Alcohol was a factor," said Tippecanoe County Lt. Rick Blacker. "He will be cited for drunken driving."