Emergency vehicles and responders are seen near Veterans Drive crash scene, left, alongside a booking photo of the accused driver, right, after police said two pedestrians were struck, one fatally and another critically injured. Photo Credit: V.I. CONSORTIUM/VIPD
ST. THOMAS — A 55-year-old woman has been arrested and charged with vehicular homicide, DUI and manslaughter after police say she fled an initial collision near the Legislature, drove onto the sidewalk and struck two female pedestrians on Veterans Drive Wednesday evening.
According to the VIPD, the 911 Emergency Call Center received a call at 5:59 p.m. on Wednesday, reporting an auto collision in which pedestrians had been struck by a gold Honda CRV that fled the scene toward Barbel Plaza.
A preliminary investigation found that the driver, identified as Michelle Donastorg, was traveling east on Veterans Drive when she struck a vehicle in the area of the Legislature and fled.
Police said Donastorg then drove onto the sidewalk and struck two female pedestrians. She continued driving toward the intersection, where her vehicle was blocked by three vehicles.
When officers made contact with Donastorg, police said she appeared to be under the influence of alcohol and was taken into custody.
The victims were transported to the Schneider Regional Medical Center. One victim was treated for life-threatening injuries, while the other, identified as 49-year-old Tanny Harman, died from her injuries.
Donastorg was arrested and charged with vehicular homicide, reckless endangerment, DUI, leaving the scene of a collision with injuries, third-degree assault and manslaughter.
She was unable to post bail of $97,000 and was turned over to the Bureau of Corrections.
The case is being investigated by the VIPD Traffic Investigation Bureau.
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