A deadly crash late Tuesday night has shaken residents near Hurstbourne Parkway. Police say a scooter rider was struck and killed in a suspected DUI crash, leading to serious charges against a Louisville woman. The victim has now been identified, and the case is moving to court.
Crash on Hurstbourne Parkway Turns Fatal
According to the Jeffersontown Police Department, officers responded to a crash near South Hurstbourne Parkway around 11:27 p.m. Tuesday involving a motorcycle and a scooter. Police say Erica Parker, 40, was behind the wheel of the vehicle that struck the scooter.
The impact threw the rider from the scooter, leaving him unconscious. Emergency responders transported him to a nearby hospital in critical condition.
On Wednesday afternoon, the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office confirmed the man, identified as Donell Johnson, 38, had died from his injuries.
Suspected DUI Leads to Arrest at Scene
Court documents show Parker admitted to having one beer about three hours before the crash, but police noted that she was unsteady on her feet and smelled of alcohol at the scene.
After failing a field sobriety test, she was arrested and charged with:
- Assault
- Operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol
Parker Pleads Not Guilty, Bond Set at $35K
During her arraignment on Wednesday morning, Parker pleaded not guilty to the charges. A judge set her bond at $35,000 cash, and she remains at Metro Corrections as of Thursday.
She is scheduled to appear in court again on Thursday, May 29, for the next hearing.
This tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of impaired driving. Local officials continue to urge drivers to make safe choices, especially during late hours.
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This article was written by John Deluca. AI was used lightly for grammar and formatting, but the ideas, words, and edits are all mine.
