Authorities with the Spring Township police department say a Centre County woman is facing several charges, including homicide by vehicle while DUI, for causing a two-vehicle crash that claimed the life of a 76-year-old Bellefonte man.
Police say on the afternoon of April 28th, authorities were dispatched to the 1000 block of Blanchard Street for reports of a vehicle crash with injury and ejection.
Investigators say one of the vehicles, a silver SUV, had reportedly suffered heavy damage in the crash and the driver, a female, was discovered laying in the roadway in “critical condition.”
Upon further investigation, police say a witness told officers that the driver of the SUV had reportedly lost control and crossed into the opposite lane of travel, colliding with a silver sedan.
Police say the driver of the SUV was then identified as 31-year-old Meghan Horner, of Bellefonte.
Authorities say local surveillance video corroborated the witness’ statements about the crash and police began searching through Horner’s vehicle.
Investigators say officers discovered evidence of marijuana use, as well as pills and other drug paraphernalia inside the SUV.
Police say when questioned, Horner admitted to using marijuana within three days prior to the crash. She also told police that she did not possess a valid medical marijuana card and claimed that she had “hydroplaned” into the opposite lane at the time of the crash.
Authorities say the driver of the sedan, who was identified as 76-year-old Andrew Swarm, was also hospitalized from the crash and later succumbed to his injuries.
Police say an autopsy determined that Swarm died as a direct result of the crash.
Investigators say a toxicology report revealed the presence of various substances within Horner’s system at the time of the crash, including various levels of THC and Amphetamine.
Police also noted that Horner’s vehicle was not properly insured and that when she took her vehicle to be repaired, she allegedly told the body shop that the damage to the vehicle was the result of her crashing into a pole.
Authorities add that the crash investigation also determined that Horner was traveling up to 20-plus miles over the posted speed limit at the time of the crash.
According to online court records, Horner was arraigned Tuesday on charges of homicide by vehicle, homicide by vehicle while DUI, and various traffic and false insurance claim violations.
She is being held at the Centre County Prison on $50,000 bail.
