WINTHROP (CBS) – A Winthrop mother is accused of drunk driving, hitting a pedestrian and putting her own children in danger.
Police say a witness following a swerving vehicle through the streets of Winthrop called 9-1-1 but before police could intercept it, the minivan crashed onto a sidewalk on Main Street, striking a 62-year-old woman.
The caller told police, “Oh my god, (she’s) almost hitting every single car that’s coming head-on, on the right side,” then screaming at the moment of impact.
The minivan struck a tree, then the pedestrian from behind, throwing her and pinning her beneath a parked truck.
“She made the corner here going 40 miles an hour,” said witness Bob Dion.
Police say they found 38-year-old Cerisse Bomasi behind the wheel, allegedly smelling of alcohol and with her 6-year-old daughter and 6-month-old son in the backseat.
Police say several nip bottles were also pulled from the vehicle.
“The girl had no clue where she was,” said Dion. “She asked the cops ‘why are you here?'”
Police chief Terence Delehanty says she was uncooperative and officers had to physically remove her from the driver’s seat to place her in custody.
Witnesses say the victim, 62-year-old Susan Taylor, was conscious as police rushed to her aid.
“When they finally got her out from under the truck I know she had broken legs,” said Dion. “They had splints and were wrapping her legs up.”
Taylor suffered serious leg injuries, as well as a head injury, police say.
The victim lived near the scene, likely doing what neighbors say she does every day.
“She walked everywhere. She walks every single day, up first thing in the morning,” said Alex Maynard.
Family members declined to comment, as they left the Winthrop police station.
The children were taken from the scene by police, leaving witnesses stunned.
“Terrible thing, driving with children. Don’t understand it (at) all. How you can do that?” said Rich Duvall.
Bomasi faces several motor vehicle and drunk driving charges, including endangering children.
She suffered a head injury and was taken to an area hospital.
