LANCASTER – The 42-year-old woman accused of smashing her vehicle into the back of a fire engine in a collision that injured three firefighters has pleaded no contest to a DUI-related charge, authorities said.
Sandra Woolley pleaded no contest Tuesday to one count of driving with a .08% blood alcohol level and causing injury, according to Ricardo Santiago of the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office.
In exchange for the plea, Woolley is expected to be sentenced to five years formal probation and 100 days community service. She also must pay restitution and must enroll in and complete an alcohol rehabilitation program, according to court records.
Woolley is scheduled to be sentenced on June 17.
The conviction stems from a collision that occurred around 2:25 a.m., Thursday, January 9, on Avenue L at 30th Street West in Lancaster.
Woolley was driving a 2011 Mazda3 eastbound on Avenue L when she rear-ended a Los Angeles County Fire Engine, which was stopped at a red light at 30th Street West, according to Sgt. Dave Jennings of the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station.
“The force of the impact was significant enough to push the 19 ton fire engine several feet from its original position at the limit line,” Jennings stated.
Though injured themselves as a result of the collision, three firefighters went to work rescuing Woolley from her crushed car, according to Jennings.
Woolley was not wearing a seatbelt, and she suffered major body trauma in the collision, Jennings stated.
The three injured firefighters were also transported to Antelope Valley Hospital and treated for neck and back injuries.
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Previous related story: Suspected drunk driver rear-ends fire engine in Lancaster
Bob R. says
Wonder who this drunk knows? DUI w/injuries (even one) is a felony. I wonder what local law firm represented this one?
Irena says
It was a plea bargain. The 0.08 is right at the limit so this could have gone one way or the other if she had a good lawyer argue it.
DA’s want plea bargains like this. They get a win and there is no lengthy trail.
I am not saying I agree with this, only that it is the reality of how law is done nowadays.