Norman woman in near-fatal 2023 DUI crash released early from 8-year sentence

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Sara Polston, a Norman woman who admitted to driving drunk after causing a near-deadly crash, was released on Thursday morning from the Dr. Eddie Warrior Correctional Center, according to the Oklahoma Department of Corrections (ODOC). She served over 70 days of an 8-year sentence. According to court documents, in 2023, Polston was traveling at 66 mph in a 25 mph zone, while having a blood alcohol level that was two times the legal limit, when she hit 20-year-old Micaela Borrego, who was making a legal left turn at the time. Micaela was left with a traumatic brain injury and suffered from a stroke, altering her life forever. She was in a coma for two months, unable to eat, speak, or walk. Polston pleaded guilty to a DUI charge in October 2025, and while in court on December 5, 2025, testified saying she has changed. Her attorney requested a suspended sentence, citing a payment of $5 million to Micaela's family and Polston's extensive community service and rehabilitation to maintain sobriety. A judge decided to sentence her to serve time in prison. She was sentenced to 15 years; however, all but eight of them were suspended. Micaela's mother, Krista Borrego, spoke to News 4 on Polston's early release. "It just feels very privileged. This is not normal," said Krista Borrego. Cleveland County District Attorney Jennifer Austin also echoed frustration with Polston's sentencing. "This is not what the law intends: that a victim can almost be killed and 70 days later, they're released. We have to do better. This is not okay," Cleveland County District Attorney Jennifer Austin said. DA Austin said the statute was enacted to help prison overcrowding, while she finds it necessary, she feels it shouldn't always apply to cases where a victim's life is severely changed. Before Polston's release, the Borrego family pleaded with ODOC to hold her accountable and not release her. "She has a severe speech impediment. She still has to go to physical therapy and occupational therapy. Her life is forever changed, and she should not be the only one suffering the consequences of Sara Polston," Krista said. Following her release from prison, Polston will now have to wear a GPS monitoring system.