A woman that Russellville police say was driving under the influence during a February 12 car wreck that killed 17-year-old Arryonna Romero of Russellville was arrested off a warrant on Tuesday and charged with Negligent Homicide, Failure to Stop After an Accident With Injury or Death and DWI according to booking information from Pope County.
Candace Lachel Embry, 23, was arrested on the warrant that had been issued April 15. Romero died on March 1 at the Arkansas Children's Hospital in Little Rock according to court records.
Romero was a passenger in a 2014 Ford Focus that struck a 2009 Buick Enclave that was traveling in the 300 block of East Main when the driver of the Focus lost control and entered the oncoming traffic lane.
Romero, who was in a coma from the date of the cash until her passing, was unable to be airlifted from the scene because of the weather conditions. Embry and two other passengers in the Focus along with driver of the Enclave were all treated and released for their injuries.
Embry was picked up by Russellville Police on Tuesday. She is currently behind bars on a no-bond hold awaiting her arraignment on the felony charges.
Negligent Homicide in Arkansas is a Class B Felony punishable by 5-20 years in prison and up to a $15,000 fine. Leaving the Scene of an Accident Causing Injury or Death is a Class B Felony which carries a prison sentence of up to six year and a fine not to exceed $10,000.
