Teen accused of wrong-way DUI hit-and-run crash on Cape Coral Bridge with child in car

LEE COUNTY, Fla. —

A 19-year-old driver was arrested after deputies say she drove under the influence and traveled the wrong way across the Cape Coral Bridge after she was accused of a hit-and-run crash, with child in the car.

According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Ashley Hernandez-Gonzalez was driving a white Acura when she was accused of entering the wrong lanes near Cape Coral Bridge Road and Magnolia Pointe in Fort Myers and colliding with another vehicle.

“That is unbelievable. And they’re lucky to be alive. Honestly, to God,” said Christion Averna, a Cape Coral resident.

Deputies say Hernandez-Gonzalez was accused of continuing to drive in the wrong direction across the bridge, striking a concrete barrier and guardrail before eventually stopping near Cape Coral Parkway East and Southeast 17th Place.

Security camera video from Larry’s Pawn Shop near Southeast 17th Place shows deputies arriving after the vehicle came to a stop. The video does not capture the crash itself.

Investigators say Hernandez-Gonzalez was accused of failing multiple field sobriety tests. According to deputies, breath tests later showed her blood alcohol level was nearly three times the legal limit. Authorities also confirmed Hernandez-Gonzalez is under the legal drinking age.

“Lucky someone didn’t get killed,” said David Close, a worker at Larry’s Pawn Shop.

Deputies confirmed there were two passengers inside the vehicle, including at least one person under the age of 18.

No injuries were reported, and Hernandez-Gonzalez was taken to the Lee County Jail.

"Any of those situations where you can either call a friend, family member, somebody who's not drunk, there's no reason to not use Uber or Lyft or any of those services nowadays," said Averna. "It's cheaper than obviously a DUI."

Authorities are reminding drivers never to get behind the wheel while impaired.

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