Nov 27, 2009 8:08 am US/Eastern
Woman Turns Herself In Over Fatal L.I. Hit-And-Run
Maureen Lambert, 20, Allegedly Struck, Killed 11-Year-Old Girl Who Was Walking With Her Mother
HAUPPAUGE, N.Y. (CBS) ―
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20-year-old Maureen Lambert turned herself in to face charges in connection with the crash that killed an 11-year-old girl who was walking with her mother.
CBS
Police have made an arrest in the deadly hit-and-run accident that shocked a community.
20-year-old Maureen Lambert turned herself in to face charges in connection with the crash that killed an 11-year-old girl who was walking with her mother.
For the grieving family of 11-year-old Courtney Sipes, as well as the shaken residents in the Smithtown community, the hunt for the hit-and-run driver – who police now confirm was caught on surveillance camera plowing into the little girl as she crossed the street to go to a music lesson – came to a dramatic conclusion.
Prosecutors say Lambert accelerated away from the scene, tailgating other cars to make her escape, after hitting Sipes while driving the white Chevy Avalanche pickup truck involved in the fatal accident.
In court, the district attorney said Lambert was "possibly under the influence," and that her "companions had prior association with narcotics."
Lambert had a male friend in the car with her at the time of the accident.
"I think that she realized that the noose was tightening around her neck, and felt that she should turn herself in because she was going to be subsequently arrested," Det. Sgt. John Twiname, of the Suffolk County Police Department, said.
For now, Courtney's family remains secluded, but her mom, who witnessed the violent death, spoke off-camera.
"She was the most amazing, creative, thoughtful, caring child, who loved art, loved to write music, loved to sing," she said.
Police say Lambert did not turn herself in for more than 24 hours, so drug and alcohol tests were inadmissible. They are seeking the anonymous help of anyone who was with her prior to the alleged hit-and-run.
Maureen Lambert is being held on $250,000 bail.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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