Three children were left crying and moaning with visible injuries after a woman allegedly crashed her car into a tree in Louisville, Kentucky, and then bluntly told police officers they "shouldn't be stupid" for asking if she had been drinking. Jamel Pugh, 39, is facing multiple criminal charges after authorities say she was speeding and failed to properly restrain two of the minors before the accident on Wilart Drive.
Background
The incident occurred when Pugh was driving with three children in her vehicle along Wilart Drive. According to the Louisville Metro Police Department, Pugh allegedly hit a speed bump and subsequently crashed into a tree. However, investigators discovered that the speed bump was located approximately 100 to 150 yards away from the actual crash site, and the damage to the vehicle indicated that Pugh was speeding at the time of the collision.
When officers arrived at the scene, they found a car with significant front-end damage. The three children were present but in distress. One child had blood dripping from her nose and mouth, with her shirt covered in blood. Two of the children reported that they were "hurting bad," with one experiencing pain in their face and the other in their stomach. Emergency workers arrived to provide medical care to the injured minors.
The Charges
Court records reviewed by Law&Crime indicate that Pugh has been booked into the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections. She faces charges including first-degree wanton endangerment, failure to use a child-restraint device in a vehicle, endangering the welfare of a minor, and driving on a DUI-suspended license.
During the investigation, police allegedly determined that Pugh failed to ensure two of the three children were secured in a car seat or booster seat. As Pugh was being booked, an officer reportedly detected the scent of alcohol. When questioned about her consumption, Pugh allegedly admitted to having one vodka drink before the crash. Her response to officers asking if she had been drinking was reportedly dismissive, stating, "if I go out to have a good time with my family of course I'm going to have a drink."
Key Takeaways
- Jamel Pugh, 39, allegedly crashed her vehicle into a tree on Wilart Drive in Louisville, injuring three children.
- Police say the speed bump cited by Pugh was 100-150 yards from the crash site, and vehicle damage indicated speeding.
- Two of the three children were allegedly not in proper child restraints.
- Pugh told officers they "shouldn't be stupid" for asking about alcohol and admitted to drinking vodka.
- Charges include first-degree wanton endangerment and driving on a DUI-suspended license.
What's Next
Jamel Pugh is currently in custody at the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections pending further court proceedings. The case will proceed through the Louisville Metro Court system, where Pugh will face arraignment on the charges of first-degree wanton endangerment and endangering the welfare of a minor. Authorities will likely review toxicology reports to determine the precise level of alcohol in her system at the time of the crash, which may influence plea negotiations or trial strategy regarding the driving on a suspended license charge.