Kimberly Burke faces new drug charge in crash that injured 2 at Ypsilanti Township bus stop
Kimberly Sue Burke, who is suspected of being under the influence when police say she hit two pedestrians at a bus stop and left the scene, now faces a third charge: possessing a controlled substance at the time of the crash.
A Washtenaw District Court judge on Tuesday bound Burke’s case over to circuit court, where she also faces two counts of failing to stop at the scene of an accident causing injury.
Christian Jimenez and Tenesha Bush, who is pregnant, were seriously injured while they were standing an Ypsilanti Township bus stop.
Burke was arrested roughly a half-hour after the collision as she was walking on Superior Road. Police found her damaged car parked in the woods nearby.
Bush, who was pregnant at the time of the crash, was hospitalized briefly and continues to recover from leg injuries. Ultrasounds after the crash showed her baby is safe and healthy, family said.
Jimenez was hit more directly by the vehicle and suffered a broken neck and serious head injuries. Family said he underwent reconstructive surgery June 12, when doctors placed several titanium plates into his head.
Portia Brown,Jimenez’ mother, said doctors told her there is an 80 percent chance her son will fully recover from his injuries, though his road to recovery will be long. Doctors told family Jimenez likely would be in the hospital for at least 2 months from the date of the accident, with several months of rehabilitation to follow.
On June 14, a judge required Burke to post an additional $500 in bond because of the “unusual” nature of the crash and the fact she fled the bus stop afterwards.
She remains free on bond and awaits a pretrial hearing scheduled for Aug. 23.
Police have declined to release information on Burke’s blood alcohol level at the time of the crash or release results from a toxicology test sent away for testing earlier this month.
Officials also did not disclose details on the drug charge.
Heidi Fenton covers police and courts for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at heidifenton@annarbor.com or 734-623-4673. You also can follow her on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's e-mail newsletters.
Comments
swcornell
Fri, Jul 1, 2011 : 10:21 p.m.
They are going to take her car away? Right? Not just her license. If you injure someone with a knife or a gun, they take it away!
Monica R-W
Wed, Jun 29, 2011 : 10:57 p.m.
Thanks for the update on this story Heidi. As the detail emerge, it appears less and less right in anyway, this suspect was let go on $1000 bond. Hope the second victim fully recovers.
jbhuron
Wed, Jun 29, 2011 : 1:26 p.m.
Lisa- aka Columbo...This happened in my front yard, she entered the embankment from my driveway, I was there and there were several witnesses (not gossip). The police has descriptions and knew what they were looking for. I appreciate the innocent until proven guilty line of thinking, but in this case there is no question. Would you think differently if two innocent people lay in your front yard injured in the same place where your children play? This stretch of Huron River Drive is the ONLY place in the entire city limits that is 45MPH and has apartments, houses, and the universtity all there. Please join me in urging people to slow down and stop texting and driving. There is no cross walk for this bus stop and many people in the aparments across the street take the bus. I think twice about even getting my mail or mowing that area now after this incident.
Wolf's Bane
Wed, Jun 29, 2011 : 12:55 p.m.
Still can't get over the fact that they let out on so little bail. Just can't get over that. Unreal. Good night and Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrgh!
The Black Stallion3
Wed, Jun 29, 2011 : 8:34 a.m.
Sounds ,like the judge and jury have already spoken, now it is just a matter of who gets how much..........wow.
lisa
Wed, Jun 29, 2011 : 8:24 a.m.
i think tht the public is more interested in what they want to assume happened. and what little bit they hear on the presumptions of other people's info ( gossip) and then say how they feel! when all the facts aren't present. I thought all people are innocent til proven guilty. but i see tht isn't the case with this accident! very sad, yes and i hope all the victims are recovery well ! It is tragic what has happened. But Im just tryin to say no body knows for sure what really happened other then the victims and ms. burke. That is what the system is for, to find out what happened ! people tht isn't involved should sit back and look at the big picture. both parties is a child of some one else and friend or daughter or son. and til the story plays out how can the public sit here and say what is right for another individual, if they wasn't there. i pray for both families! someone had also commented on how ms. burke is at a flight risk but yet mr. moore has presented the court with ms. burke following all demands from the judge and proscutor. I just hate to see how the public turns certain info into there own reality! the system needs to be fair until proven guilty!
Jimmy McNulty
Wed, Jun 29, 2011 : 11:48 a.m.
Lisa, I agree that the suspect is due her day in court. As far a the presumptions go, if it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, there's a pretty good chance it's a duck.
free
Wed, Jun 29, 2011 : 1:39 a.m.
Especially since bond is supposed to be posted to deter someone from fleeing. Allegedly hiding the car in the woods then attempting to walk away already indicates a disposition to run.
RJA
Wed, Jun 29, 2011 : 12:23 a.m.
Very nice looking couple! So glad to hear the baby is fine, and mom is recovering. Sorry to hear dad's recovery will be slow. Am wishing the best for him, and will keep him in my prayers. Why in the hell is this driver free? (out on $500 + 500)
Ignatz
Wed, Jun 29, 2011 : 12:52 p.m.
"Why in the hell is this driver free?" Because she's not been convicted and the court guidelines dictated that she need not be held.
Dot
Tue, Jun 28, 2011 : 11:37 p.m.
First, I hope this young couple recover to the fullest extent. On the driver - "her vehicle struck them both, along with mailboxes, street signs and a brick wall, before she fled the scene" "arrested... as she was walking on Superior Road. Police found her damaged car parked in the woods nearby" wow! correct me if I'm wrong here, but wasn't her original bond set at $500., then additional $500. was added only after the last news story? So going light on the bond was because ....? Declining to release blood alcohol level because ...? Did not disclose details on the drug charge because ....? Can someone refresh the memory as to Burke's attorney?
Roadman
Wed, Jun 29, 2011 : 5:48 a.m.
Burke's attorney has been reported to be Thomas Moors.
5c0++ H4d13y
Tue, Jun 28, 2011 : 11:20 p.m.
Cute couple. Best wishes to them.
Ricebrnr
Tue, Jun 28, 2011 : 10:32 p.m.
Depraved indifference comes to mind...
Ricebrnr
Wed, Jun 29, 2011 : 12:56 a.m.
Nope no alleged necessary as I did not ascribe specific behaviours to specific individuals.
alan
Tue, Jun 28, 2011 : 11:58 p.m.
Alleged depraved indifference.