Delray Beach, Fla. — A man has been arrested and accused of reckless driving following a fatal crash. According to a Delray Beach Police affidavit, Balmont Thompson, a 28-year-old individual, is facing charges of vehicular homicide, DUI manslaughter by negligence, and possession of a scheduled substance.
The incident occurred on February 13 at approximately 5 p.m. at the intersection of West Atlantic Avenue and South Military Trail. It involved a black Honda Accord and a red Mazda CX-30, with Thompson driving the Honda.
Youseline Pierre, the driver of the Mazda, was declared deceased at the scene as a result of injuries sustained in the crash, according to the arrest report.
The Honda Accord had three passengers, all of whom sustained injuries, including severe internal bleeding, fractured vertebrae, and hips.
Eyewitnesses at the scene informed officers that the Mazda was traveling southbound on South Military Trail with a green light. They stated that at that moment, the Honda entered the intersection from the east on West Atlantic Avenue without stopping and collided with the passenger side of the Mazda.
Video footage obtained from nearby businesses confirmed the accounts of the eyewitnesses. The video revealed that the Honda entered the intersection 20 seconds after the eastbound light had turned red and crashed into the Mazda.
Following the collision, both vehicles slid towards the southeast corner of the intersection. The Honda struck a large concrete light pole, spun 180 degrees, and ultimately came to a stop on top of a pedestrian crossing signal. The Mazda slid into a palm tree before redirecting further south and coming to a final rest.
Delray Beach Police reported that Thompson was found unresponsive and trapped in the driver’s seat of the Honda. The other occupants of the vehicle were able to exit on their own.
During their investigation, police discovered two open bottles of liquor inside the vehicle. They also found a plastic bag of pink powder, confirmed to be ecstasy, attached to Thompson’s pants.
A blood sample taken from Thompson indicated the presence of MDMA in his system and a blood alcohol level of 0.175 at the time of the accident.
The arrest report further revealed that the Honda was traveling at 74 mph while the Mazda was traveling at 47 mph during the collision.
Based on the investigation, Thompson was determined to have been operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs and alcohol, exceeding the posted speed limit by 30 mph, and running a red light.
Police concluded that Thompson’s driving led to one fatality and multiple serious injuries.
Thompson was arrested on June 22 and is currently in custody at the Palm Beach County Jail.
