LOUISVILLE, KY. (THECOUNT) — A’yanna Wilbanks, 19, of Louisville, Kentucky, was killed Thursday after a vehicle allegedly operated by Dasharay Ben’e, 23, crashed into a building in the city’s Smoketown area, according to authorities.
Ben’e has been charged with vehicular homicide while under the influence, wanton endangerment, criminal mischief, failure of owner to maintain insurance, and operating a vehicle while under the influence.
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The collision occurred at approximately 4:53 p.m. Thursday, May 14, in the 700 block of Logan Street between South Shelby Street and South Campbell Street near downtown Louisville in Jefferson County, located in north-central Kentucky.
According to Louisville Metro Police Department spokesperson Adam Sears, officers responded to reports of an injury crash involving a vehicle that struck a building along Logan Street.
When officers arrived, they discovered three injured occupants inside the vehicle.
Wilbanks sustained fatal injuries in the collision and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office later determined her cause of death was blunt force trauma sustained during the crash.
Two additional occupants, including Ben’e, were transported to UofL Hospital with injuries authorities described as non-life-threatening.
Police said preliminary findings indicate the vehicle was traveling northbound on Logan Street at a high rate of speed before the driver lost control and crashed into the building.
Investigators subsequently arrested Ben’e in connection with the fatal collision.
According to court documents, Ben’e allegedly told detectives she consumed one margarita prior to the crash.
Authorities said toxicology results later revealed Ben’e had a reported blood alcohol concentration of 0.168.
Under Kentucky law, the legal blood alcohol concentration limit for drivers is 0.08.
Court records show Ben’e made an initial appearance Saturday before a judge, where bond was set at $10,000.
She is scheduled to appear in court again Tuesday, May 26, for a preliminary hearing.
The crash caused significant emergency response activity in the Smoketown neighborhood Thursday afternoon as police officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel secured the damaged building and rendered aid to victims.
Investigators with the Louisville Metro Police Department Traffic Unit continue examining evidence connected to the fatal collision.
Authorities have not publicly released the identity or condition of the third occupant involved in the crash.
No additional information regarding the structural damage to the building has been publicly released.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Google Maps: 700 block of Logan Street, Louisville, Kentucky
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