Crime
Woman Admitted to Cops She Was Drinking, ‘Out to Have a Good Time’ After Crashing Car With 3 Kids
A Kentucky mom of three is facing several charges after police say she crashed into a tree while driving with her three young children.
Police arrested Jamel Pugh following the crash on September 19 on Wilart Drive, Law&Crime reported on Wednesday, September 23.
Pugh, 39, faces three counts of first-degree wanton endangerment, along with charges of endangering the welfare of a minor, failing to use a child restraint device, driving on a DUI-suspended license, driving without a valid license, having no registration plates and failing to maintain insurance.
When Louisville Metro Police arrived, officers found the damaged vehicle and three children who appeared to be injured.
Authorities said the children were “crying and moaning.”
According to WLKY, police found one of her three children outside the vehicle with blood coming from her nose and mouth, while Pugh was holding the other two. Two of the children told officers they were “hurting bad.”
Pugh allegedly told investigators she was traveling at the speed limit when she hit a speed bump and then struck the tree. Authorities questioned that account.
Law&Crime reported that investigators placed the speed bump about 100 to 150 yards from the crash site.
Police also said the vehicle’s condition suggested it had been moving faster than Pugh claimed.
Investigators further alleged that two of the children had not been properly secured in a car seat or booster seat.
An officer later reported smelling alcohol while Pugh was being booked.
According to ABC affiliate WHAS11, when police asked whether she had been drinking, Pugh allegedly replied that officers “shouldn’t be stupid, if I go out to have a good time with my family of course I’m going to have a drink.”
She later told police she had consumed one vodka drink before the crash.
Pugh has not entered a guilty plea. WLKY reported that a judge set her bond at $7,500 and ordered her to have no contact with her kids.
Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 29, 2026.
