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According to court records, the suspect was driving twice the legal limit at the time of the deadly crash. Neighbors who witnessed the collision said they are working hard to improve safety at the intersection.
The crash took place when the driver of a blue minivan was attempting to drive across Meridian on 43rd Street and was hit by a woman allegedly speeding south.
The victim’s van spun around and came to a stop along a metal fence on Saturday, Sept. 13.
“It sounded like an explosion,” said neighbor James Montague. “I saw the impact, but the noise itself, it sounded like a bomb went off in our neighborhood.”
Esmeralda Alcaraz, who was riding with her father, was thrown from the van and died at the hospital from head injuries.
Chassy Rankin, 37, is now charged with reckless homicide after court records claim she was driving 69 miles per hour in a 35 mph zone.
Rankin allegedly did not have a valid driver’s license. The suspect passed a field sobriety test, but police said she refused to take a chemical blood test.
Sadly, the collision came as no surprise to James, whose fence was damaged by the crash.
“Everyone on this street, I think, has been in the mindset of not will this happen, but when is it going to happen?” said Montague.
“This is not a safe intersection at all,” said neighbor Kim Kourany.
In fact, a group of neighbors called the Meridian Street Foundation has collected speed data over the last few years at 43rd and Meridian.
Their study found 74% of all drivers were speeding through the intersection, with the highest speed being 103 miles per hour.
“We have to slow traffic down. That’s just the bottom line,” said Kourany.
“Basically, all the data we have put together shows that the average person is driving well beyond the legal speed limit,” said Montague.
While neighbors are looking for additional signage and signals to calm traffic on Meridian, they also hope the criminal charges against Rankin send a message to drivers everywhere to be responsible behind the wheel.
“Slow down. Obey the laws. What does 10 seconds do in your day when you’re risking other people’s lives?” said Montague.
The victim’s family has hired an attorney. That attorney, Jamison Allen, sent the following written comment.
“Esmeralda’s family is devastated but committed to seeking full justice. They have courageously chosen to respond to their loss by fighting to make our world safer. They are asking everyone to remember decisions we make on the roads can have fatal consequences. Esmeralda deserved to live a full life—not one cut short by preventable negligence. Speeding drivers are dangerous but regrettably predictable. Therefore, the family is also asking those responsible for the 43rd & Meridian intersection to make the changes necessary to assist drivers’ field of view and prevent future tragedies.”
The suspect is due in court for an initial hearing next week. In the meantime, she’s being held temporarily without bond at the Marion County jail.
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