DELRAY BEACH, FL– Authorities have arrested a 28-year-old man after an investigation found that he was driving under the influence, which eventually led to a fatal crash in February.
The crash was reported on Feb. 13 around 5 p.m. at the intersection of West Atlantic Avenue and South Military Trail.
Officials say Balmont Thompson had the drug MDMA in his system when he blew through a red light going 74 mph and struck another vehicle on its passenger side.
The impact of the collision sent both vehicles sliding into the southeast corner of the intersection.
Thompson’s vehicle struck a large concrete light pole and spun 180 degrees before stopping on top of a pedestrian crossing signal, that was knocked over during the crash.
The victim’s vehicle struck a palm tree and traveled further south before coming to a final rest.
The victim, identified as Youseline Pierre, was declared dead at the scene.
Three passengers in Thompson’s vehicle sustained major injuries including, severe internal bleeding, fractured vertebrae, and hip injuries.
Thompson was found unconscious and trapped inside of the vehicle when authorities arrived.
Officials also say they found two open bottles of liquor in the vehicle and a plastic bag of pink powder attached to Thompson’s pants.
The substance in the bag reportedly tested positive for ecstasy.
In addition to that, Thompson’s blood alcohol level registered at 0.175.
During their investigation, authorities say they found video from the scene showing Thompson drove into the intersection 20 seconds after his light had turned red, which matched eyewitness accounts.
Thompson was arrested on June 22 and is currently being held at the Palm Beach County Jail on vehicular homicide, DUI manslaughter by negligence, and possession of a scheduled substance charges.