According to a recent report, at about 8:30pm on March 31 a 26-year-old woman driving a Hyundai Elantra crossed the intersection of North Atherton street and West Aaron Drive and struck a GMC pickup truck sitting at the intersection. The woman was unresponsive in her car and needed to be revived with Naloxone, which is used to reverse opioid effects. She was then taken to Mount Nittany Medical Center for treatment. Police received a call shortly before the accident about a woman slumped over the wheel of a vehicle near a Red Lobster restaurant down the road.
Following the accident, police searched the woman’s vehicle and allegedly found five used and five unused wax bags, as well as several syringes, cotton and a spoon with heroin residue. These findings will be used for additional charges beyond driving while under the influence.
The woman was subsequently charged with DUI, possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia possession. She also has charges pending for possession of a controlled substance. Her bail was set by a district judge at $50,000. Driving while under the influence can be applied not only to drunk driving, but driving under the influence of any drug as well.
This woman is facing serious DUI and drug charges, which could affect many aspects of her life down the road. It would be in her best interests to make certain she has a strong defense team to fight the charges. If she is found guilty, she could face a license revocation, stiff fines, insurance surcharges and substantial time in prison. Her criminal record will also play a role in her ability for future employment and may affect various other aspects of her life.
Source: State College News, “Police Suspect Involved in Ferguson Township Crash,” Geoff Ruston, April 7, 2017