Driver Accused in Fatal Crash Had Blood Alcohol Content Nearly 4 Times Legal Limit
Toxicology expert testifies defendant's BAC was 0.294% hours after collision that killed a college student.
A toxicology expert testified Thursday that the driver accused of killing a college student in a drunken crash in Dallas in September 2023 had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.294%, nearly four times the legal limit in Texas.
Lynlee Pollis, 27, was allegedly driving nearly twice the speed limit when she ran a red light and collided with a vehicle driven by 19-year-old Southern Methodist University student Honor Wallace. Wallace was pronounced dead at the scene. Her passenger sustained a broken collarbone, and Pollis suffered a fractured ankle.
The legal limit to drive in Texas is 0.08%. Toxicology chemist Brittany Welch testified that a BAC of 0.294% would indicate consumption of six to 11 standard alcoholic drinks, or three to five larger drinks or doubles.
Pollis' defense attorneys have contested the blood alcohol evidence, questioning its collection, handling, and storage. They acknowledge Pollis was speeding and ran the red light but dispute she was intoxicated at the time of the crash. Defense lawyers presented bodycam footage showing Pollis standing and speaking without apparent impairment and noted that multiple witnesses did not smell alcohol on her.
During opening statements on Monday, prosecutor Lauren Black told jurors that Pollis's blood alcohol level was "well over" the legal limit. Collision Safety Institute director Rusty Haight testified that Pollis was traveling at 63 mph and accelerated to 67 mph as she approached the intersection, where the speed limit is 35 mph. Haight stated the traffic light had been red for approximately five to seven seconds when Pollis entered the intersection.
Pollis is charged with intoxication manslaughter and intoxication assault. She faces up to 20 years in prison for the manslaughter charge and up to 10 years for the assault charge.