A tragic incident in Memphis, Tennessee, has resulted in the death of a woman who was struck by a drunk driver after her car broke down on the side of a major road. Daniel Thomas, 67, has been charged with vehicular homicide, DUI, reckless driving, public intoxication, and driving without a license in connection with the fatal crash.
The Incident
The accident occurred Thursday evening around 9 p.m. on Union Avenue, a major roadway that runs through Memphis. The woman, whose identity has not yet been released, was driving when her car broke down. She pulled over to the side of the road and activated her hazard lights for safety.
Thomas was driving a Honda Pilot on the same road when he struck the woman’s vehicle. According to the Memphis Police Department, the impact of the crash not only hit the woman’s car but also knocked her down as she stood outside her vehicle.
Police Response and Investigation
Authorities arrived at the scene shortly after the crash and pronounced the woman dead. When they made contact with Thomas, they noted he appeared intoxicated. He allegedly smelled of alcohol and admitted to drinking multiple beverages before the incident.
Thomas was given a field sobriety test, which he reportedly performed poorly on. A blood test conducted at a nearby hospital revealed he had 1.6 grams of THC in his system. Based on the results and his performance on the sobriety test, he was arrested and booked into jail.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Thomas has been charged with vehicular homicide for the death of the woman, along with several misdemeanor charges including DUI, reckless driving, public intoxication, and driving without a license. He is scheduled for arraignment on Monday, and his bail will be reviewed the following day.
This tragic accident highlights the dangers of impaired driving, and authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
