Wellesley Police Say Doctor Drunk, On Drugs Before Wild Crash Caught On Video
WELLESLEY (CBS) - A dramatic multi-car crash was caught on traffic cameras in Wellesley after police say a woman was drunk and on drugs leaving a nearby Whole Foods.
According to court records, Kristen Howard, 56, had been involved in an accident in the supermarket parking lot and was speeding away from the scene shortly before 9 a.m. Friday. Howard is an emergency room doctor at Newton-Wellesley Hospital and won "Doctor of the Year" in 2009.
In the video captured by a traffic camera, the SUV bolts out of the lot, over a strip of grass, and crash lands onto State Street on just its front wheels, before striking a white sedan waiting at a stop light.
The impact of the crash sandwiched the sedan between the SUV and a box truck traveling the opposite direction.
Wellesley Police say one person was hurt, but the injuries were minor.
Howard was arrested and charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol and drugs, driving to endanger, leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident and possession of class B and C drugs.
Newton-Wellesley Hospital released the following statement Tuesday:
"This is a very stunning and sad incident, fortunately none of the injuries were life threatening. As of Friday, Dr. Howard was relieved of all responsibilities pending further investigation. We hope to have a final decision on her status at some point later tonight."
