Counterpoint

Woman killed in car in driveway

GALESBURG — A Galesburg woman was arrested for driving under the influence of drugs Friday after an accident involving a parked car that left another woman dead.

A car driven by Lori A. Mahnesmith, 34, 334 S. Pearl St., was northbound in the 200 block of Allens Avenue around 10:45 a.m. when it left the roadway and traveled into the front yard of 246 Allens Ave., striking the driver’s side door of a car parked in the driveway. Police were called to the scene at 10:49 a.m.

Madge G. Stancomb, 75, a resident of 246 Allens Ave., was in the driver’s seat of the parked car. Stancomb was alone in her vehicle at the time of the crash. She was pronounced dead at the scene by Knox County Coroner Mark Thomas at 11:15 a.m.

Police have not determined how fast Mahnesmith was driving or what caused her vehicle to leave the roadway. According to police, Mahnesmith fled the scene on foot and returned to her residence at 334 S. Pearl St.

Police picked up Mahnesmith at her residence and took her to the Public Safety Building, 150 S. Broad St., for questioning. She was arrested there on eight charges, including driving under the influence of drugs, leaving the scene of a fatal accident, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, driving without insurance and driving with a suspended license. She also was charged with aggravated DUI involving the death of another, felony DUI for driving with a suspended license and felony DUI for driving without insurance.

Mahnesmith reportedly had cannabis, cocaine, methamphetamine, opiates and other substances in her system. Pending review by the Knox County State’s Attorney’s office and lab results, additional charges may be filed.

The accident remains under investigation. Mahnesmith is being held at the Knox County jail on $5,000 bond.

The Galesburg Police Department was assisted at the scene by the Galesburg Fire Department, Galesburg Hospitals Ambulance Service and Knox County Coroner’s Office.