Hialeah Gardens Woman, 72, Charged with DUI Manslaughter in Fatal Crash into Lake
Arrest Made in December Crash that Killed 69-Year-Old Woman
Julia Vega, a 72-year-old Hialeah Gardens woman, has been arrested and charged with DUI manslaughter in connection with a crash into a lake that killed another woman in December.
Crash Details
The crash occurred around 11 p.m. on December 30 in the parking lot of an apartment complex in the 9900 block of W. Okeechobee Road. According to the report, Vega was driving in the parking lot when she suddenly accelerated, hitting a yellow retainer pole and a chain link fence before crashing into the lake.
Pilot’s Account
A police sergeant who arrived at the scene found Vega hanging out the driver’s side window, screaming for help. The sergeant tossed her a rope and pulled her to safety. Pintor, who was in the passenger seat, was unable to get out of the car while it sank.
Victim’s Death
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue responded and got Pintor out of the car, but she died from her injuries on December 31 at Hialeah Hospital. Vega was not injured and initially refused to give a statement, invoking her right to an attorney.
Investigation
An officer noted Vega was slurring her words, was stumbling around on flat ground, and had bloodshot and watery eyes. Vega failed field sobriety tests and blood was taken after a search warrant was obtained. The toxicology results showed she had a blood alcohol level of.148 and an hour later had a blood alcohol level of.146, both over Florida’s legal limit of.08. Vega also tested positive for Alprazolam, a prescription drug used to treat anxiety disorders.
Bond Hearing
Vega surrendered to authorities and was booked into jail. At her bond hearing, it was learned that Vega’s daughter and Pintor’s son were married and have children together. Vega’s attorney asked for a reasonable bond, citing her fairly clean driving record and a previous arrest that was dropped. The judge set Vega’s bond at $50,000 and ordered her not to drive.
Conclusion
The incident serves as a tragic reminder of the devastating consequences of drunk driving. The investigation and subsequent charges demonstrate the severity of the crime and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions.
FAQs
* What was the charge against Julia Vega?
+ DUI manslaughter
* What was Julia Vega’s blood alcohol level?
+.148 and.146, both over Florida’s legal limit of.08
* What was the outcome of Julia Vega’s bond hearing?
+ Bond set at $50,000 and ordered her not to drive
