Warren car driver who struck pedestrian may face DUI charge
Staff report
WARREN
The driver of the car who 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.
Authorities say she is likely to be charged with drunken driving today in Warren Municipal Court. Warren prosecutors will also decide whether the driver, Debra M. Paden, 48, of Linda Drive Northwest, should be charged with any other offenses, police Lt. Eric Merkel said.
Police believe Paden was traveling 25 mph, the posted speed limit, the police report says.
The pedestrian, Josh J. Kale, 19, of Clearview Street Northwest was at fault in the accident, according to a police report.
Kale was wearing dark clothing, a hooded sweat shirt pulled up around his face and was wearing headphones, Merkel said.
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.
Paden took a Breathalyzer test after the accident and was released. She had a passenger in her car, but neither Paden nor her passenger was injured.