PHOENIX (AP) - A Mesa woman is in custody in connection with a car accident that killed a man on a motor scooter.
Maricopa County Sheriff’s officials say 43-year-old Julie Ann Gutierrez is being held on suspicion of manslaughter and possession of marijuana, drug paraphernalia and prescription drugs.
They say the charges could escalate to second-degree murder depending on the outcome of blood tests.
Sheriff’s officials say Gutierrez was driving her car above the posted speed limit on Aug. 2 in east Mesa.
She allegedly ran a red light and hit 52-year-old John Wutt who was stopped at a traffic light on a motor scooter.
Wutt was pronounced dead at the scene while Gutierrez was hospitalized with several broken bones.
Sheriff’s traffic accident investigators say they found various drugs in Gutierrez’s vehicle.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.