Torrance woman suspected of DUI after driving with dying man on hood

 Posted on November 27, 2012 in DUI

People reportedly spotted the woman's car driving in Torrance with a man on the hood of the car. Several people approached the car and flagged down the driver, according to media reports. One of the people claims to have reached into the vehicle and taken the keys from the ignition.

Emergency responders were called to the area where people flagged down the woman. Police say that the man was struck slightly more than two miles from where the group is credited with stopping the car. Investigators say that the man was partially embedded in the windshield when emergency responders arrived. He was responsive at that time. However, police say that the man later died at the hospital.

The woman was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and drunk driving charges related to the incident. News reports suggest that the woman works as a drug and alcohol counselor. Police claim that she panicked after the accident. Authorities say that the woman tested nearly twice the legal limit for alcohol under California's drunk driving laws.

The woman was placed in jail with bail set at $100,000.

Sources:

• KABC-TV News, "Torrance DUI suspect drives with pedestrian on car's hood," Leanne Suter, Nov. 25, 2012
• The Huffington Post, "Sherri Wilkins Hits Philip Moreno With Car, Drives With Him Through Windshield: Cops," Nov. 26, 2012