Sherri Wilkins: Drunk Driver Had Dying Man On Hood Of Car For 2 Miles -- Cops
An alleged drunk driver had a dying man on her hood for two miles before people got her to pull over, cops say.
The victim, 31-year-old Phillip Moreno of Torrance, was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The motorist was ID'd as ...
... 51-year-old Sherri Wilkins, also of Torrance.
Torrance police said in a statement that the horrific crime started about 11:25 p.m. Saturday at Torrance Boulevard near Madrid Avenue when the woman's car struck Moreno.
Wilkins allegedly kept on driving for two long miles, police said: She stopped at Crenshaw Boulevard and 182nd Street.
Torrance police Sgt. Robert Watt told the Daily Breeze:
He is literally embedded in her hood and into the windshield. She knew he was somehow embedded into her car but she panicked.
Cops booked Wilkins on suspicion of drunk driving, manslaughter and felony hit-and-run, according to the Torrance department.
The Breeze found out she had been accused previously of drunk driving:
County court records show Wilkins was charged on July 16, 2010 with driving under the influence, leaving the scene of an accident, and being under the influence of a controlled substance.
Investigators are still looking for witnesses. If you additional info, call 310-618-5557.
[Update at 2:45 p.m.]: David Lisonbee, CEO of Twin Town Treatment Centers, told the Weekly this afternoon that Wilkins was employed there as a chemical dependency counselor who worked with patients six nights a week.
She passed a background check and alcohol screening for the job, he said, adding:
... The unfortunate fact is that even recovering drug and alcohol counselors are at risk of relapse. My staff and I am deeply saddened by the horrific loss both families have encountered from this tragedy. For us in recovery, we must always remain vigilant against relapse, especially during the holiday season. For counselors in the profession of helping others, it is vital to remember that only your own personal program of recovery will guard against relapse. What you do for work does not immunize any of us.
[With reporting from City News Service / @dennisjromero / djromero@laweekly.com / @LAWeeklyNews]
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