A Texas woman accused of causing a fatal drunk-driving crash three years ago had a blood alcohol concentration nearly four times the legal limit, a toxicology specialist testified Thursday.
Lynlee Pollis allegedly drove through a red light in Dallas at almost twice the posted speed limit, striking a vehicle and killing 19-year-old Southern Methodist University student Honor Wallace in September 2023, according to The Dallas Morning News.
Pollis was taken to the hospital after the collision. Earlier reports described her as having glassy eyes, slurred speech and an apparent smell of alcohol.
The 27-year-old reportedly told authorities she had consumed one margarita containing tequila shots while spending time with her husky, named “Tequila,” at a popular outdoor bar that also operates as a dog park, Fox 4 reported.
Toxicology chemist Brittany Welch testified that testing conducted hours after the crash found Pollis had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.294%.
Texas law prohibits driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher.
Welch said a reading that elevated would typically indicate the consumption of roughly six to 11 standard drinks, or about three to five oversized beverages or doubles.
Defense attorneys George Milner and Scott Palmer have challenged the reliability of that evidence, questioning how Pollis’ blood sample was drawn, transported and stored, The News reported.
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The defense has acknowledged that Pollis was speeding and went through the red light, but it disputes the prosecution’s claim that she was intoxicated.
Video from a police body camera showed Pollis standing steadily and speaking without an obvious slur. Several witnesses also testified that they did not notice an alcohol odor when they encountered her.
Pollis faces charges of intoxication manslaughter and intoxication assault. The allegations stem from Wallace’s death and the serious injuries suffered by Wallace’s friend, who was riding in the passenger seat.
The trial began Monday. During opening arguments, prosecutor Lauren Black told jurors that Pollis’ blood alcohol level was “well over” the legal threshold, according to the outlet.
Collision Safety Institute director Rusty Haight testified Friday that Pollis was traveling about 63 mph before accelerating to 67 mph near the intersection of Monticello Avenue, where the speed limit was 35 mph.
Haight said the traffic signal for Pollis’ northbound lane had been red for approximately five to seven seconds when she struck Wallace’s vehicle, which was proceeding through a green light.
The impact briefly sent Wallace’s vehicle airborne. She was pronounced dead at the crash site.
Wallace’s passenger suffered a broken collarbone, while Pollis sustained a fractured ankle in the collision.
If convicted, Pollis could receive a sentence of up to 20 years in prison for intoxication manslaughter and as many as 10 years for intoxication assault.
