Newly released video shows the moments a car crashed into a Hialeah Gardens lake last year on New Year’s Eve.
Police say the driver was drunk before she crashed into the lake, killing the passenger, her best friend.
The video shows a car creeping toward a fence, then suddenly accelerating and plunging into the lake below.
A yellow pole and metal fence were no match for the driver behind the wheel as the car barreled into the water.
Body camera video then shows 72-year-old Julia Vega moments after an officer pulled her from the water near West Okeechobee Road.
Investigators said as the car sank, Vega escaped through the driver’s side window. Her passenger, Elsa Pintor, didn’t make it out.
Video shows Vega attempting a field sobriety test, which police say she failed.
Authorities said Vega slurred her speech and had bloodshot, watery eyes.
Investigators say Vega admitted to drinking wine earlier that night.
Police said a blood draw later revealed a blood-alcohol level nearly twice the legal limit, along with anti-anxiety medication in her system.
In a statement, Vega’s attorney told Local 10 News:
“Ms. Vega and the victim were best friends who also shared grandchildren together. This incident caused a devastating loss to the family.”
The family is asking for prayers and privacy.
Vega will be back in court for a DUI manslaughter hearing next month.
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Source: Local10
