One of the people injured in a Wednesday evening crash in Vancouver is not expected to survive, Clark County Deputy Prosecutor Randy St. Clair said.
During the first appearance hearing for 30-year-old Fontella Hooper, who faces two counts of vehicular assault and driving with a suspended license, St. Clair said that one victim is on life support and that vehicular homicide charges may soon be filed.
According to a probable cause statement entered into court records, Hooper, of Vancouver, failed to stop at a stop sign at P Street when turning onto East Fourth Plain Boulevard around 7 p.m. Wednesday.
Hooper crossed the westbound lanes, the center turn lane and into the oncoming eastbound lanes. Her vehicle struck a Dodge Caravan driven by Jodalee M. Wakeman.
Both Wakeman and a passenger, Kimberly D. Makarowsky, were seriously injured, according to court records. Makarowsky was knocked unconscious from a significant head injury. Not long after the crash, medical staff receiving Makarowsky at a hospital told officers that her injures were life-threatening, and she had not regained consciousness, according to court records.
Wakeman suffered injuries to her neck, hip, lower back and ankle.
Makarowsky was listed in critical condition, and Wakeman in satisfactory condition, at PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center on Friday afternoon.
According to court records, officers who contacted Hooper at the scene reported her breath smelled of alcohol. She had watery eyes and had to be held up to stand, they said. Her speech was also slurred and repetitive, according to court records.
Hooper didn’t complain of any injuries, but she was brought to the hospital for examination.
Hooper’s bail was set at $40,000. Her next court appearance, where she’ll be formally charged, was scheduled for Oct. 6.
