Driver Arrested After Wrong-Way Crash Injures Older Woman
A 23-year-old woman has been accused of driving the wrong way on Interstate 37 in Corpus Christi while intoxicated, leading to a four-car collision on Sunday night. The incident has concerns about road safety and the dangers of drunk driving.
Incident Details
The Corpus Christi Police Department reported that at approximately 10:10 p.m. on Sunday, officers were dispatched to the 7400 block of Interstate 37 after receiving multiple calls from concerned drivers. Witnesses reported that a vehicle was traveling northbound in the southbound lane, creating a dangerous situation on the highway. Shortly after the initial reports, police received word that the wrong-way driver had caused a collision involving multiple vehicles.
Upon arrival at the scene, officers identified the driver as 23-year-old Kendra Nunez. According to the police report, Nunez was driving in the left lane in the wrong direction when she collided with another vehicle. The impact caused Nunez’s car to spin out of control, resulting in a second car crashing into her vehicle. A fourth car also became involved in the collision.
Injuries and Medical Response
The crash led to significant injuries, particularly for the occupants of the first vehicle that Nunez hit. Three individuals, including a 74-year-old woman, were rushed to a local hospital for treatment. The older woman suffered critical injuries, including several fractured ribs, a concussion, and a punctured lung. Thankfully, the passengers in the other two vehicles emerged from the collision unscathed. The gravity of her injuries underscores the potentially devastating impact of driving under the influence. Her condition underscores the critical importance of road safety and the devastating impact a moment of poor judgment can have on innocent lives.
Signs of Intoxication
As officers conducted their investigation, they noted several signs indicating that Nunez was intoxicated at the time of the crash. According to the arrest affidavit, Nunez exhibited glossy red eyes, slurred speech, and abnormally large pupils. Additionally, officers detected a strong odor of alcohol emanating from her. When questioned by police, Nunez admitted that she had been drinking earlier in the evening at Murdy’s Bar and was en route to Odem.
When asked about her level of intoxication, Nunez stated that she had consumed approximately three Dos Equis beers. However, she appeared confused about the time and her whereabouts, initially claiming it was around 8 p.m. and later mentioning she had also been at another establishment, BUS.
In a further attempt to assess her level of impairment, an officer asked Nunez to rate her intoxication on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being blackout drunk. Nunez responded that she was intoxicated but not blackout drunk, estimating her level at “about a 5-10.” Despite this, she admitted that she did not feel safe to drive.
Arrest and Charges
Following her admission of intoxication, Nunez was transported to Spohn Shoreline Hospital for evaluation. However, she refused to be treated by the medical staff. After being medically cleared, Nunez was taken to the City Detention Center and subsequently booked into the Nueces County Jail. She remains in custody on a $30,000 bond as of Monday evening.
This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of driving under the influence. The Corpus Christi community and law enforcement officials continue to emphasize the importance of making responsible choices and ensuring that our roads remain safe for all.