In a devastating turn of events, a tragic accident unfolded on Saturday evening in Watertown Township, leaving two pedestrians dead and injuring fourteen others. The driver responsible, Ashley Monroe, a 35-year-old pregnant mother from Perrinton, stands accused of driving under the influence at the time of the collision, adding further heartbreak to an already harrowing situation.
According to authorities, the incident occurred at around 6:30 p.m. at the intersection of South Waucousta Road and Corrison Road, where Monroe’s vehicle collided with a group of sixteen pedestrians. Shockingly, Monroe allegedly fled the scene following the collision, prompting deputies from miles away to intercept her and take her into custody.
Upon apprehension, officers reportedly found an open bottle of Crown Royal in Monroe’s purse, raising serious concerns about her state of intoxication at the time of the crash. Tragically, two individuals, identified as 30-year-old Jonathan Esch and 42-year-old Daniel Harris, lost their lives in the collision, while numerous others, including children as young as toddlers and adults as old as 60, sustained injuries of varying severity.
The victims, all of whom are reported to be related, range from a critical 38-year-old woman to eight children, aged between 2 and 16, and five mature females between the ages of 28 and 61, all of whom received non-fatal injuries. The scale of the tragedy has sent shockwaves through the community, leaving many grappling with the profound loss and devastation inflicted by the accident.
On Monday, Monroe faced arraignment on a slew of charges related to the incident, including six charges of operating while intoxicated causing serious injury, one count of failing to stop at the scene of an accident resulting in significant impairment or death, and two counts each of operating while intoxicated causing death and failing to halt at the scene of an accident while at fault causing death.
Reports indicate that Monroe’s blood alcohol content (BAC) at the time of the incident was alarmingly high, measuring at .183, more than twice the legal limit. As the legal proceedings unfold, the community remains in mourning, grappling with the profound loss of life and the enduring impact of the tragedy on all those affected.
Monroe’s next court date is May 30, when she will face the full weight of the charges brought against her. In the meantime, the community is coming together to offer support to the victims and their families, standing in solidarity during this incredibly challenging time.