CORPUS CHRISTI (Kiii News) -
A woman was struck by a suspected drunk driver in the downtown area just after the big fireworks display Wednesday night. The victim's family said she is now out of the intensive care unit, but her leg may have to be amputated as a result of her injuries.
Vincent Alvarez's wife, 29-year old Monica Alvarez, now sits in a hospital bed at Christus Spohn Memorial. She has a broken foot, ankle and knee after a night of fun and fireworks turned into a nightmare.
"It shouldn't have happened," Alvarez said. "For a drunk driver, drinking and bar hopping, to hit my wife and almost kill my daughter."
Alvarez said his wife and three children were waiting to cross the street when a car came down Water Street, and instead of going straight, it jumped the curb and slammed right into his wife.
Lacey Tischler Bauer, 28, was the driver behind the wheel of the Ford Mustang. She now faces intoxication assault charges, punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
"I just want justice for my sister and my nieces, because no one deserves this," said Lydia Villanueva, the victim's sister.
Villanueva called Monica's actions heroic.
"If she wouldn't have pushed my niece out of the way, she wouldn't be here right now," Villanueva said. She said her sister will require future surgeries and may even lose her leg. As medical bills begin to mount, the family worries about Monica's three young children.
Meanwhile, the family has set up a benefit account to help with their expenses. If you would like to donate, you can visit any Bank of America. The account is under Monica Ann Alvarez.
