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Authorities believe driver in deadly I-10 crash had drugs in her system
Maricopa County Sheriff Office
PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) -- The driver accused deadly crash on I-10 near Tonopah that killed six is believed to have been under the influence at the time, according to court paperwork obtained by Arizona's Family.
35-year-old Iyona Holton was arrested on Thursday. She was charged with numerous aggravated assault charges and multiple drug possession charges after being released from the hospital earlier this week.
Court documents say she was found with a straw that had a "white powdery substance," after the crash. Authorities say it was likely "fentanyl or methamphetamine." During a medical evaluation, EMTs said she had an elevated heart rate and showed signs suggesting she was on some form of stimulant. The toxicology report has not been finalized.
The crash happened on July 2, killed a mother and her five children. Four others were seriously hurt. Investigators say both vehicles drove into and through the dirt median, a marked “No U-Turn” zone, in order to turn around and travel eastbound on I-10. The family told Arizona's Family they were heading to California when they were changing a flat tire on the side of the freeway. As they entered the eastbound lanes, they were hit by a tractor-trailer, according to DPS.
DPS officials say Holton is in the Maricopa County Jail. She is being considered a flight risk because the family has a GoFundMe set up, that as of Friday afternoon, has collected over $85,000. She also has family ties in both California and Michigan.
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Authorities believe driver in deadly I-10 crash had drugs in her system
- Peter Valencia
- Posted 17 hrs ago
-
Maricopa County Sheriff Office
PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) -- The driver accused deadly crash on I-10 near Tonopah that killed six is believed to have been under the influence at the time, according to court paperwork obtained by Arizona's Family.
35-year-old Iyona Holton was arrested on Thursday. She was charged with numerous aggravated assault charges and multiple drug possession charges after being released from the hospital earlier this week.
Court documents say she was found with a straw that had a "white powdery substance," after the crash. Authorities say it was likely "fentanyl or methamphetamine." During a medical evaluation, EMTs said she had an elevated heart rate and showed signs suggesting she was on some form of stimulant. The toxicology report has not been finalized.
The crash happened on July 2, killed a mother and her five children. Four others were seriously hurt. Investigators say both vehicles drove into and through the dirt median, a marked “No U-Turn” zone, in order to turn around and travel eastbound on I-10. The family told Arizona's Family they were heading to California when they were changing a flat tire on the side of the freeway. As they entered the eastbound lanes, they were hit by a tractor-trailer, according to DPS.
DPS officials say Holton is in the Maricopa County Jail. She is being considered a flight risk because the family has a GoFundMe set up, that as of Friday afternoon, has collected over $85,000. She also has family ties in both California and Michigan.
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