A Lower Burrell woman is facing charges in connection with a car crash from four months ago.
Grisell Marie Hernandez, 22, faces charges of driving under the influence, aggravated assault by vehicle while driving under the influence, accident involving injury, driving with a suspended license, reckless driving, reckless endangerment, possession of marijuana and drug possession.
Authorities say that, on Aug. 22, police and paramedics responded to Edgecliff Road for reports of a vehicle over a hillside, with people trapped inside the car.
Responders found Hernandez on the ground next to the vehicle. She told police she was the driver, according to the Westmoreland County District Attorney’s office.
A pregnant woman was trapped inside the vehicle and had to be extricated from the car. She was flown to an area hospital with serious injuries, the DA’s office said.
The pregnant woman had multiple fractures and a cut on her scalp, and underwent emergency surgery because of unstable cervical spine injuries, according to the DA’s office.
Another passenger was found outside the vehicle and was taken to a hospital for treatment, authorities said.
Police noted there was alcohol in plain view inside of the car, as well as the smell of burnt marijuana, the DA’s office said.
Hernandez’s blood alcohol content was 0.18%, and she also had THC in her system, according to the DA’s office.
Her car was traveling at about 90 mph five seconds before the crash, before slowing to 68 mph prior to impact, authorities said.
Hernandez has other pending cases involving DUI-related charges and possession of marijuana.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 3 before District Judge Cheryl Peck-Yakopec.
