NOT THE SHARPEST KNIFE IN THE DRAWER: What Goes Around ...
In January and April 1998 Rene E. Fernandez, then 33 years old, was arrested for DUI. He pleaded guilty to the first offense and Judge Stephen P. Johnson entered a finding of "probation before judgment," is not treated as a conviction. He also pleaded guilty to the second offense and Montgomery County District judge Edwin Collier handed down a 60-day suspended sentence.
Fast-forward 11 years to August 21, 2009, mid-afternoon: A Chevy Tahoe Fernandez is driving keeps crossing into the oncoming lane and then back to his side of the double line. He sideswipes a Dodge Dakota to the right, then swerves into oncoming traffic hitting a 2001 Honda Accord with such force that the fronts of both vehicles lifted off the ground, according to an eye witness. Ironically, the Accord was driven by the since-retired Collier, reports The Washington Post:
Ellen Collier, who is now 82, suffered a compound leg fracture, fractured ribs, a fractured hip and neck injuries … She has had five operations, including one to fuse vertebrae in her neck, and must use a walker. Edwin Collier, now 86 and who as a retired judge was brought back to hear cases as recently as last year, suffered a broken leg and fractured ribs. He must use a cane.
The diminished mobility forced the couple to move to a retirement community from their home in
Until recently, the Colliers had enjoyed active retirements, playing with grandchildren and riding bicycles.
Fernandez, who tested at more than twice the legal limit for alcohol, was barely hurt. Citing
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