MIAMI GARDENS, FLA. (WSVN) - A woman accused of causing a multi-vehicle wreck on the Palmetto Expressway, after driving in the opposite direction of traffic has been released from jail.
Officials said 24-year-old Chelsea Paige Halter drove eastbound on the westbound lanes of State Road 826, near 27th Avenue, at around 2 a.m., Wednesday.
A total of four cars crashed as they swerved out of the way to avoid Halter.
“I noticed the debris in the air, the smoke and everything in front of me,” said one witness. “It was like a movie. There were vehicles spinning towards me at full speed, so I had to make a decision: if I wanted to hit a vehicle or swerve to the left and avoid all these vehicles.”
According to Florida Highway Patrol, Halter was driving under the influence at the time.
Officials said Halter was driving in the wrong direction for 22 minutes from the time they got the call until they were able to track her down.
“Units were able to make contact with the driver in the area of 95 and 826 where the driver was apprehended and was arrested for DUI,” said FHP Lt. Yosdany Veloz.
No one was badly injured. However, one person was taken to an area hospital with minor injuries.
“My neck is kind of killing me,” said one victim. “My back is hurt, but thank God I am alive. That’s the important thing.”
Halter was released on bond, Wednesday afternoon. 7News cameras captured her leaving Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center where she did not give a comment.
Halter now faces charges of driving under the influence, leaving the scene of a crash and driving with drugs in her possession.
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