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SALT LAKE CITY — A woman accused of hitting and killing a pedestrian nearly a year ago is now facing criminal charges.
Taress Mika Wheelwright, 40, of Salt Lake City was charged Tuesday in 3rd District Court with negligently operating a vehicle resulting in death, a second-degree felony; and failing to yield to a pedestrian and speeding, both infractions.
On Oct. 22, just after 9 p.m., 42-year-old Eric Lund was hit by a vehicle while crossing State Street at 1110 South. Wheelwright, who was driving the vehicle, told officers she was driving south "and did not see Lund until he was right in front of her vehicle. While speaking with Wheelwright, officers smelled an odor of alcohol coming from her … and observed that she was emotionally upset," according to charging documents.
Wheelwright then said her family had contacted an attorney, who was on his way to the scene.
"Wheelwright's attorney arrived at the scene and consented to a blood draw a few hours later. A blood draw was completed and toxicology report showed that 3 1/2 hours after the accident Wheelwright had (a blood-alcohol level of 0.07%)," or just above the legal limit.
Investigators determined Lund was thrown 101 feet after being hit, the charges state.
"Security video confirmed that Wheelwright did not slow down or brake until post-collision," according to the charges.
Detectives estimated that Wheelwright was traveling 41 mph in a 35 mph zone and that she "should have been able to stop" prior to hitting Lund.
