A Louisville woman is facing multiple charges after police said she crashed into a tree while driving with three children in the vehicle, leaving the children injured and raising additional concerns about alcohol use and child safety.
Jamel Pugh, 39, was arrested after the single-vehicle crash on Wilart Drive in Louisville on Sept. 19. According to police and court records, officers found the damaged vehicle after it struck a tree. No other vehicles were involved.
The three children inside the vehicle were reportedly distressed when officers arrived. One child had blood coming from her nose and mouth, while two others complained that they were hurting. Emergency medical personnel responded to the scene to assess and treat the children.
Police questioned the cause of the crash
Pugh reportedly told officers that she had been driving at the speed limit when the vehicle hit a speed bump, which she said led to the crash.
Investigators later noted that the speed bump was approximately 100 to 150 yards from the location where the vehicle struck the tree. Police also said the damage to the vehicle was consistent with it traveling at a higher speed than Pugh described.
During the investigation, officers also determined that two of the three children were not secured in a car seat or booster seat. Records indicate they were wearing seat belts, but the required child restraints were not being used.
The situation took another turn when Pugh was being booked into the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections. An officer reportedly detected the smell of alcohol and questioned her about whether she had been drinking before the crash.
According to the arrest account, Pugh acknowledged having one vodka drink before driving. She reportedly told officers that if she went out with her family to have a good time, she would have a drink.
Multiple charges filed
Pugh faces several charges connected to the crash and the circumstances surrounding it. They include first-degree wanton endangerment, endangering the welfare of a minor, failure to use a child-restraint device and driving on a license that had been suspended following a DUI.
The booking records also list allegations involving driving without a valid license or negligence in an accident, failure to maintain required insurance and having no registration plates.
Authorities said Pugh did not have a valid driver’s license or insurance when officers requested the documents following the crash.
Her bond was set at $7,500, and she was ordered not to have contact with the three children involved in the crash.
Pugh is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Sept. 29. The criminal allegations remain pending, and the charges do not constitute a finding of guilt.
The investigation and court proceedings will determine how the case develops as authorities review the crash, the children’s injuries and the allegations involving Pugh’s driving status and alcohol use.
