A road construction worker was killed and three others were hurt after being hit by a suspected drunken driver near Concord Mills Mall in North Carolina early Saturday, police said.
Danyel Middleton was charged with felony death by a motor vehicle, and police said she could face more charges. She spent her 22nd birthday in jail and will face a judge Monday.
Socorro Martinez, 50, was confirmed dead at the scene.
The three other victims were taken to a nearby hospital. Two were being treated for serious injuries, and the third was treated and released from the hospital.
The crash happened around 1:45 a.m. on Concord Mills Boulevard near Entry A to Concord Mills Mall.
Police said the four crewmen were working on road improvements when Middleton plowed into them. According to authorities, the crew had appropriate signs and lighting indicating the work zone.
"They're just trying to make a living, and they can't come to work and be safe," a Concord community member told WSOC's DaShawn Brown.
Officials said the four who were struck were workers with Cruz Brothers Concrete. The company, based near Burlington, North Carolina, is said to have over 75 years of experience and family-owned.
For community members, news of the crash was unsettling enough, but even more so close to home.
"You know, sometimes if I want to go out and drive at night, it makes me a lot more nervous knowing something like this could've happened," Nate Seedorf said.
"Not only is the driver going to live with that for the rest of her life, but the family of the victims are also going to be dealing with this forever," another community member told WSOC-TV.
Middleton is being held at the Cabarrus County Jail with bail set at $1 million.
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