DUI Results in Fatality and Multiple Car Crash
It’s never a good idea to drink then drive immediately afterward. Take the case of a Las Vegas DUI incident that occurred in April 2018. A driver had two vodkas before getting into the car. Later the drunk driver was involved in a multi-vehicle accident, resulting in one death, multiple injured individuals, and several crashed cars. Based on the accounts of her arrest, she did not dispute these allegations and admitted her fault, according to an article on the Fox 5 news website.
According to Las Vegas police reports, Sarah Lee drank two vodkas at around 4:30 a.m. at Santa Fe Station. As it followed, the road accident resulted in a car crash, involving six vehicles. The multi-vehicle accident happened on the intersection of Las Vegas Boulevard and Warm Springs Road at around 10 a.m.
Lee’s Apprehension
The police report mentioned that Lee was held by a citizen after the car crash. The Las Vegas police officer who responded to the DUI scene said Lee had the smell of alcohol that early morning.
At the time of contact with the police officers, Lee did not know where she was. She appeared confused and had difficulty complying with instructions for alcohol testing after the incident. The police officers also observed that she had a hard time having her eyes open. She also complained that she was in pain. The report also mentioned Lee had minor bruises and scratches on her body.
Upon an examination on her person, the police officers noticed scarring and other marks on Lee’s arms, which is indicative of repeated needle injection. Lee, on her part, admitted she had been doing IV drug use. Two days prior to the accident, she smoked heroin. But she was on suboxone for relief from heroin cravings, she added.
One Fatality, Several Injuries, Six Cars, One Impaired Driver
Donneka Harris, of North Las Vegas, died as a consequence of the car crash incident, along with three others who were injured. According to the Clark County Coroner, Harris died due to injuries caused by multiple blunt force. She was 32.
Six vehicles were involved in the incident, which includes a black Mercedes, a red Ford, a silver Lexus, a gray Cadillac SUV, a blue Hyundai, and a Chevy Malibu.
Eyewitness’ Account
Victor Johnson was working at a nearby convenience store when the multi-vehicle crash occurred. As he ran out to help the people involved in the collision, he noticed Lee tried to run away.
Based on the report by the Nevada Highway Patrol, Lee’s Mercedes was westbound on Warm Springs Road and ran a red light at the intersection. She crashed her car against a Chevy Malibu, which was traversing on Las Vegas Boulevard’s southbound lane. The collision impacted the nearby vehicles. The driver of the Chevy Malibu was Harris who died at the scene.
Lee Could Face Severe Penalties
Under the laws of the State of Nevada, Lee could face imprisonment between 2 and 20 years in state prison with fines up to $5,000. On top of the criminal charge, a civil action for recovery of damages may also be filed against Lee. Her driving license may also be suspended or revoked.
Contact Us
If you or a loved one has been involved in a Las Vegas DUI incident, resulting in injuries or fatality, get in touch with Dan Lovell of the Empire Law Group.
