BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Authorities arrested Hannah Lipkin, of Bethlehem, on Friday for her part in a serious accident that was caused by her aggressive driving while under the influence, according to Northampton County District Attorney Stephen G. Baratta.
Officials say on Sept. 7, Lehigh Township police officers responded to the scene of a serious crash in the area of Riverview Drive in Lehigh Township, where officers discovered Lipkin’s vehicle was traveling south and entered into the northbound lane into oncoming traffic, striking other vehicles and very seriously injuring another motorist.
Officers were able to observe the accident on a bystander’s dashcam. Further investigation provided additional rear-facing dashcam footage of Lipkin’s driving before the accident.
Investigators say the video shows Lipkin making an illegal turn out of a McDonald’s parking lot onto Main Street in Walnutport Borough, then merging onto SR145 behind the vehicle with the dashcam. Lipkin’s vehicle is briefly visible driving on the center yellow lines before accelerating and tailgating the vehicle.
Lipkin’s vehicle then began to drive on the shoulder of the roadway before swerving back and forth with abrupt movements and briefly backing off the vehicle. Lipkin accelerates and begins tailgating the vehicle again. During this, Lipkin’s vehicle was so close that the camera captures her taking both hands off the steering wheel, placing them on her head, and appearing to yell, police say.
Lipkin continues on SR145, swerving between the center yellow lines and the outer shoulder, repeatedly accelerating to tailgate. The footage later shows her driving on the center yellow line with alert strips before entering the northbound lane in the wrong direction and causing the collisions.
Rich Rolen for WFMZ-TV
Police obtained a warrant for Lipkin’s blood, revealing levels of alcohol, THC, cocaine, and cocaine byproduct benzoylecgonine.
Authorities say Lipkin is charged with Aggravated Assault by Vehicle, Aggravated Assault by Vehicle while DUI, six counts of DUI, and various summary offenses associated with aggressive driving.
Lipkin was arraigned on Dec. 12, and her bail was set at $50,000.00.