Louisville, Kentucky — Three children were injured after a woman allegedly crashed a vehicle into a tree, and police say the driver later admitted she had been drinking before the collision because she was spending time with her family.
Jamel Pugh, 39, faces several charges following the crash, including first-degree wanton endangerment, failure to use a child-restraint device, endangering the welfare of a minor and driving on a DUI-suspended license.
Pugh was booked into the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections on Saturday, according to court records.
Crash Left Three Children Injured
According to the Louisville Metro Police Department, Pugh was driving with three children inside the vehicle on Wilart Drive in Louisville when the crash occurred.
Police said the vehicle struck a speed bump before leaving the roadway and crashing into a tree.
When officers arrived, they found significant damage to the front of the vehicle. The three children were still at the scene and were described as “crying and moaning.”
One child had blood coming from her nose and mouth, with blood also covering her shirt, authorities said.
Two of the children told police they were “hurting bad.” One reportedly complained of pain in her face, while another said her stomach was hurting.
Emergency personnel responded to the scene to evaluate and treat the children as officers began investigating what led to the crash.
Police Disputed Driver’s Account
When investigators asked Pugh what happened, she allegedly told them she had been traveling at the speed limit when she encountered the speed bump and subsequently hit the tree.
However, police said the physical evidence did not match that explanation.
Investigators determined the speed bump was approximately 100 to 150 yards away from the location of the crash. According to the arrest citation, the damage to the vehicle also indicated that Pugh had been traveling faster than the speed limit when the collision occurred.
The investigation then turned toward other factors that could have contributed to the crash.
Police Say Alcohol Was Involved
While Pugh was being booked following her arrest, an officer reportedly detected the odor of alcohol. Police then questioned her about whether she had been drinking before the collision. According to authorities, Pugh responded:
“shouldn’t be stupid, if I go out to have a good time with my family of course I’m going to have a drink.”
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Pugh allegedly told investigators that she had consumed one vodka drink before the crash.
Her alleged admission became another part of the investigation as officers examined the circumstances surrounding the collision and the condition of the children inside the vehicle.
Two Children Allegedly Were Not Properly Restrained
Investigators also allege that Pugh failed to make sure two of the three children were properly secured in a car seat or booster seat.
Kentucky law requires children to be appropriately restrained based on their age, size and other applicable requirements. The alleged failure to use proper restraints is included among the charges Pugh is facing.
The combination of the crash, the children’s injuries, the alleged speeding and the reported alcohol consumption led authorities to pursue multiple charges.
The children were treated by emergency responders following the collision.
Woman Had DUI-Related License Issue
Pugh is also accused of driving on a license that had been suspended because of a previous DUI-related matter, according to the charges filed in the case.
The allegation adds another layer to the investigation as prosecutors consider the circumstances surrounding Saturday’s crash. The charges are allegations, and Pugh remains entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty in court.
Preliminary Hearing Scheduled
Pugh is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on September 29.
The hearing is expected to provide an early opportunity for prosecutors to present evidence supporting the charges and for the case to move through the court process.
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