<font color="#FF0000">UPDATED:</font> DRIVER ARRESTED IN DEATH OF 11-YEAR-OLD

Local News

Discussion

May 21, 2009

O’Brien woman charged with vehicular homicide

By Jeff Waters, Democrat Reporter The Suwannee Democrat Thu May 21, 2009, 10:20 AM EDT

An O'Brien woman has been arrested on charges of vehicular homicide in the January death of an 11-year-old girl. Nicole Marie Sallas, 25, turned herself in to authorities Wednesday after a warrant was issued for her arrest earlier that day, jail records show.

Eleven-year-old Alyssa Jones was killed in a single-vehicle crash on 89th Road near O'Brien Jan. 10. Alyssa, the right front passenger in a 2003 Pontiac SUV driven by Sallas, was ejected when the southbound vehicle traveled onto the east shoulder and overturned, said FHP. The vehicle came to rest after striking a pine tree with its right side. Alyssa was a fifth-grader at Branford Elementary School. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Sallas and the other two passengers, Marjorie Jones, 2, and Elizabeth Jones, infant, were treated for injuries at Shands Live Oak.

The 12:52 p.m. crash occurred about three miles north of O'Brien.

Neither Alyssa nor Sallas was wearing a seat belt, said FHP. The younger children were not properly restrained either, accident reports indicate.

Sallas was arrested by FHP Cpl. JT Stalnaker Jr. and booked into the Suwannee County Jail.

A high bond amount was sought due to the belief that Sallas was a flight risk, FHP records show. Bond was set at $10,000.

Text Only

Local News

Free community fitness at parks
February 9, 2012 1 Photo
Motorcyclist walks away from collision with car
February 9, 2012 1 Photo
Outbreak of Cinara aphids in south county reported
February 8, 2012 2 Photos
Branford High's Karen Koon named district teacher of the year
February 8, 2012 2 Photos
Students raise funds for Evan’s Cause
February 7, 2012 1 Photo
Closing date approaching on quota liquor licensing
February 7, 2012 1 Photo
Road to Olustee at Suwannee Museum
February 6, 2012 1 Photo
Best Super Bowl ad? Vote for your favorite
Naked M&Ms, an out-of-shape dog on a mission and Clint Eastwood delivering a passionate speech about American adversity -- these are among the favorite commercials that aired during Sunday's Super Bowl.

February 6, 2012 1 Photo
Prisoner transport vehicle involved in wreck
A Jacksonville man was traveling down the wrong side of I-10 when he crashed into the van.

February 5, 2012 1 Photo
Man suffers serious injuries on CR 137 crash
Glen St. Mary man was also involved in hit and run crash in Columbia County prior to this one, FHP reported.

February 5, 2012
More Local News Headlines