(COLDWATER) - A Coldwater woman has been sentenced for a wrong way crash that happened last Fall on I-69.
Branch County Circuit Court officials say 36 year old Nerissa Judd was given a sentence of 14 months to 5 years in prison. Judd pled no contest to a charge of operating while intoxicated third offense in relation to the crash.
On October 10, 2025, Coldwater Police say they received a 911 call at 12:30 AM with witnesses saying a reckless driver was approaching Coldwater. Witnesses also say the vehicle, driven by Judd, went off the road and into a ditch before driving back on the interstate.
A Coldwater Police officer saw Judd driving north in the southbound lanes and followed her with his lights and siren on. Judd struck a southbound semi head on near the State Street overpass.
Judd was taken to Insight Hospital and Medical Center in Coldwater for evaluation. While being questioned, Judd admitted to having a little bit to drink and didn't stop for the police because she was afraid of getting into trouble.
At the hospital, a search warrant was used to draw blood, and Judd allegedly told police that she "was dumb" and should not have been driving because she had consumed too much alcohol.
Judd has previous convictions for Operating While Intoxicated and another pending OWI 3rd offense charge in Oakland County, Michigan.
Court officials say the semi driver has filed a lawsuit claiming that he sustained serious injuries to his head, neck, and back in the crash