RIPLEY — A town driver who crossed the center line of Route 20 and then struck a tree is facing charges.

Chautauqua County sheriff’s deputies responded to the accident around 7:40 a.m. Saturday. Michael Smith, 24, who was identified as the driver, crossed over the center line, left the south side of the road and struck a tree. After an investigation, it was determined that Smith was operating his vehicle while in an intoxicated state and was charged with DWAI-drugs and failure to keep right.

Smith was released with traffic citations and will be in the town of Ripley Court at a later date.