Hempfield woman charged in July crash in North Huntingdon

A Hempfield woman is accused by police of driving under the influence during a July crash in North Huntingdon that seriously injured her and another motorist, according to court papers.

Melinda G. Fesh, 55, of Wendel, was arraigned Monday and is free on $5,000 unsecured bail. She is charged with aggravated assault by vehicle while driving under the influence and related offenses.

Township police said they were called to a head-on crash at the intersection of Route 30 and Billott Avenue on July 28 and found a Chevrolet Equinox and Subaru Impreza had collided around 3 p.m. A witness told investigators the Chevrolet was traveling eastbound and swerved into the westbound lanes, according to court papers.

Both Fesh and the other driver were taken to AHN Forbes Hospital in Monroeville. The other driver told police she had numerous stitches to close a chin wound and had severe swelling and bruising on her lower abdomen and right hip, according to court papers.

Police said Fesh had benzodiazepine, fentanyl and oxycodone in her system, according to hospital records. The narcotics can be used to treat pain and anxiety.

Fesh had been involved in a crash four hours earlier that day on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, according to court papers. It was unclear the circumstances of that crash and if she was hurt.

Defense attorney Francis Murrman told the Tribune-Review that Fesh had taken prescription medication within the appropriate limits as advised by her doctor at the time of the North Huntingdon crash.

A preliminary hearing is set for Oct. 12.