Pedestrian was at fault, but driver had alcohol in her, Warren cops say

Pedestrian was at fault, but driver had alcohol in her, Warren cops say

WARREN

The driver of the car that hit and killed a 19-year-old pedestrian early Saturday had a blood-alcohol level of 0.168, more than twice the legal limit of 0.08, and is likely to be charged with drunken driving Wednesday in Warren Municipal Court.

But the pedestrian, Josh J. Kale, 19, of Clearview Street Northwest was at fault in the accident, Warren police said.

Kale was wearing dark clothing, a hooded sweatshirt pulled up around his face and was wearing headphones, said police Lt. Eric Merkel.

The police report says Kale tried to cross Riverview Street Northwest just west of Tod Avenue Northwest when he was struck. He died later at St. Elizabeth Health Center as a result of head injuries.

Kale was less than a block from his home at the time of the 12:30 a.m. accident.

The driver was Debra M. Paden, 48, of Linda Drive Northwest. She was given a blood-alcohol test after the accident and released.

Paden had a passenger in her car. Neither Paden or the passenger were injured.