Watch CBS News

Police: Woman Charged With Murder After Intentionally Crashing Car

Ponya Lee
Ponya Lee (Booking Photo)

WESTLAND (WWJ/AP) - Police say a 27-year-old Detroit-area woman intentionally crashed her car into another vehicle, causing the death of the other driver.

Ponya Lee, of Westland, was arraigned Friday on a second-degree murder charge in the death of 55-year-old Patricia Nwaneri, of Ypsilanti. A not guilty plea was entered on her behalf.

The charge stems from an incident that happened Monday afternoon at the intersection of Warren and Wayne roads in Westland. According to reports, Lee was driving her now ex-girlfriend's car and talking with her on the phone when they got into an argument. At some point, Lee allegedly told her friend that she was going to crash the vehicle.

According to police, Lee intentionally sped up to approximately 60 MPH and drove through a red light at the intersection before crashing into Nwaneri's vehicle.

Both Lee and Nwaneri, who was alert when the firefighters arrived, were rushed to the hospital. Lee was released after being treated, while Nwaneri later died at the hospital.

After being released, Lee apparently went back to her apartment, where the argument with her ex-girlfriend continued. According to reports, Lee chased after the woman with a Samurai sword when she tried to flee the apartment. Police say Lee hit two people with the sword, but they were not harmed.

Officers arrived at Lee's apartment to arrest her on three counts of felonious assault and vandalism for the domestic violence incident before receiving word that Nwaneri had died. An official cause of death is pending.

Lee is being held at the Wayne County Jail without bond. She's due back in court for a preliminary exam on Feb. 27.

TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.