Credit: Middletown police
Police allege in court papers that staff at an area bar tried to stop a Bristol Borough woman before she drove off and caused a fatal wreck.
Karen S. Baxter, 58, was arraigned Tuesday afternoon before District Judge Daniel Baranoski on charges of homicide by vehicle while DUI, homicide by vehicle, reckless endangerment, DUI, and a number of summary traffic offenses. She was remanded to the Bucks County Correctional Facility on 10 percent of $100,000.
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In court papers filed by Middletown police, authorities alleged Baxter was intoxicated when her black Toyota Camry crossed the double yellow line on Durham Road on a bend just past the I-295 overpass and hit a silver Kia Rio head on last July 23 around 6:40 p.m.
The driver of the Kia – Francis Fischer, 64, of Penndel – ended up passing away in early September from injuries sustained from the collision, according to police and an obituary.
Before causing the crash, Baxter was drinking at the Irish Rover Station House and ended up getting cut off by staff who noticed her level of intoxication, police said.
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Baxter, according to court papers, got in her vehicle outside the bar and the staff tried to physically stop her from driving but she did not stop. She reportedly almost hit an employee in the parking lot before heading off toward Durham Road.
Police said as the bar staff was talking to 9-1-1, the violent collision happened less than a mile down the road.
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Both vehicles were badly damaged in the crash and Baxter and Fischer were rushed to St. Mary Medical Center. The two were unconscious following the wreck, police said.
Blood samples taken from Baxter after the crash and showed a .23 blood alcohol level.
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Editor’s Note: All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The story was compiled using information from police and public court documents.
