COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The woman responsible for driving the wrong way on I-69 and crashing head-on into a semi was arraigned Friday in Branch County District Court.
36-year old Nerissa Judd of Coldwater pled not guilty to charges of felony 3rd offense driving while intoxicated, felony reckless driving, and felony fleeing.
After reportedly driving erratically and going into a ditch, Judd was observed driving northbound in the southbound lanes of the interstate, forcing other vehicles to move out of the way. An officer followed Judd with lights and sirens, but she did not stop and collided head-on with a semi-truck within approximately a minute.
Despite having no immediate apparent injuries, Judd was transported to Insight Hospital Medical Center Coldwater for evaluation.
According to court records, during questioning, she admitted to having a “little bit” to drink and stated she didn’t stop for police because she felt she was going to get into trouble.
Judd was arrested in connection with the crash, and blood was drawn at the hospital under a search warrant. Police say while at the hospital Judd admitted she “was dumb” and should not have been driving because she had too much to drink.
Judd has prior convictions for Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) and has a pending OWI 3rd offense charge in Oakland County.
These multiple convictions mean she faces severe penalties, as OWI charges in Michigan become felonies after a third offense. The semi-truck driver was not injured in the incident.
Judd had her bond set at $ 75,000 and will be back in court for a Probable Cause Hearing October 23, 2025.
Sad. She obviously has a problem. 3rd offense.