Charlotte Woman, 19, Had Pending DWI Charge Prior To Accident That Injured Three Pedestrians

A 19-year-old accused of hitting and causing personal injuries to three pedestrians while driving drunk in Charlotte on the morning of August 1 was already scheduled to appear in court for a prior DWI offense.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said that at approximately 2 a.m., 19-year-old Kirstie Pienta struck several pedestrians along 7th Street and dragged one of them for about 100 feet.

According to witnesses, the silver Mercedes Pienta was driving was traveling at an estimated speed of at least 45 mph in a 35 mph zone and that she never applied her brakes, even after the accident.

Pienta is to be charged with DWI, driving on a revoked license, driving after consuming alcohol under the age of 21, and reckless driving.

Police believe Pienta to have been drinking with friends at her apartment shortly before the accident. She lives just two blocks from the scene of the accident.

Prior to the August 1 accident, Pienta already had pending charges in Mecklenburg County for DWI, speeding, following too closely, civil revocation of license, and driving after consumption under the age of 21. She has a court appearance scheduled during August.

Two of the victims, Michael Hayes and Damion Jenkins, both Charlotte residents, received a glancing blow from the right side of the vehicle. Ohio resident Danielle Moore was struck by the front of the car and dragged 99 feet, according to police.

Moore and Pienta received transport to Carolinas Medical Center with serious injuries. Pienta was listed in critical condition and Moore had been upgraded to fair condition as of August 2.

Hayes and Jenkins suffered minor injuries and were taken to Presbyterian Hospital.

The Mercedes is owned by Steven Pienta, who resides at the same address as Kirstie Pienta.