Memphis Family Injured in DUI Accident, Driver Charged with Aggravated Assault

Memphis Man, Woman, and Child Injured in Impaired Driving Incident

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — It’s been nearly three months since a serious accident on the I-240 near Poplar Avenue, and recent developments in the case are raising eyebrows. On Friday, local authorities announced that Chandris Pope, a 43-year-old woman, has been charged with three counts of aggravated vehicular assault following the July 19 incident that left a man, a woman, and a child severely injured. The details surrounding this accident are a sobering reminder of the dangers of impaired driving and the devastating effects it can have on innocent lives.

The Incident

According to police reports, the unfortunate event transpired when a man was standing outside his disabled Buick LeSabre on the entrance ramp of I-240. The vehicle had broken down, and while he managed to move it into the middle divider section for safety, his troubles were far from over. In an alarming turn of events, Pope, driving a 2018 Jeep Wrangler, smashed into the rear end of the LeSabre, causing a catastrophic collision. Alongside the man, a woman and a child were also inside the car and suffered serious injuries as a result of the crash.

Injuries and Immediate Response

Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene and rushed all three victims to nearby hospitals, where they received critical medical attention. Their injuries were so severe that multiple surgeries were necessary to address the damage incurred during the collision. While the victims were battling for their recovery, investigators began piecing together the events leading up to this shocking incident.

Pope’s Actions Under Scrutiny

Eyewitness accounts and evidence suggest that Pope had been drinking prior to the crash. Officers discovered several cans of alcohol in her Jeep, raising serious questions about her driving capabilities that night. When confronted by law enforcement, Pope exhibited signs of impairment, struggling to stand, stumbling, and displaying slurred speech. She even refused a field sobriety test, which is often a critical element in proving impairment in DUI cases.

Once the dust settled, a blood alcohol test revealed a staggering blood alcohol content of .202, well above the legal limit. This led to her initial charges of driving under the influence, public intoxication, and reckless driving, all categorized as misdemeanors.

A Troubling History

Pope’s situation is further complicated by her past; she had previously been convicted of DUI in Texas back in May 2018, resulting in a three-month license suspension. Fast forward to the present, and she now finds herself facing felony charges related to this latest incident.

What’s Next?

Pope is currently being held on a bond of $100,000. Her arraignment hearing is scheduled for this upcoming Monday, where she will have an opportunity to respond to the serious charges against her. The community is undoubtedly watching closely as this case unfolds, mindful of the many implications of impaired driving.

As we reflect on the events that transpired that fateful night, it’s a poignant reminder of the devastating impact that decisions made during a moment of poor judgment can have—not just on the individual involved, but on entire families and communities.

In Memphis, we always hope for safe travels and a watchful eye on the roads. Let’s keep those who were injured in our thoughts, and continue to advocate against drunk driving to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.