MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A man is facing multiple charges after allegedly causing a wreck during a street race that killed a pedestrian Wednesday in southeast Memphis, while he had two children in his car.
Memphis police said Andrea Spencer, 23, caused a wreck at the intersection of Winchester and Goodlett on April 15 that killed Breann Bonds, who was walking nearby.
Witnesses told police Spencer was speeding on Winchester Road and appeared to be racing another vehicle while weaving into and out of traffic.
“They started crossing each other and then I said, ‘Ooh, they gonna hit something,'” said Pamela Holt, one of the witnesses.
Holt was watching minutes earlier as Spencer reportedly began racing a champagne-colored BMW convertible.
“All you seen was the car spinning, stuff flying off in the air and dust,” Holt said.
Police said Spencer lost control of his vehicle as he neared the intersection. His vehicle hit a light pole, then Bonds, dragging her down the sidewalk.
Bonds was pronounced dead on the scene as a result of her injuries.
News of bonds’ death spreads quickly in her former neighborhood, where her one-time next-door neighbor prays not only for her family, but also for the man accused of killing her.
“That’s just like losing your own child,” said former neighbor Norman Hopkins. “He made a mistake in life and now right now he regretting that mistake.”
Police said Spencer had a 1-year-old and a 2-year-old in the car at the time of the wreck. Police said one carseat was on the floor, and one was partially on the floor. Both carseats were not properly restrained, while a large spare tire was in the back seat.
“The driver, he was in shock, he was shaking,” Holt said. “The passenger, she was crying. The kids was crying. It was horrible. It was very horrible.”
The two children were taken to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in non-critical condition.
Police said Spencer did not provide proof of financial responsibility of the vehicle.
Spencer is facing charges of reckless vehicular homicide, two counts of reckless endangerment, reckless driving, two counts of violation of child restraint law, failure to exercise due care and violation of financial responsibility law.
Spencer is due in court Friday.
Thursday morning, another fatal accident occurred at the same intersection. A car flipped upside down after hitting an utility pole, killing the driver.
