Doctors To Induce Coma For Girl Injured In OC DUI Crash

NEWPORT BEACH (CBS) — A 17-year-old Newport Harbor High School student who was struck Tuesday by an allegedly impaired driver remained hospitalized in critical condition Wednesday.

Physicians treating the teenager planned to induce a coma to try to reduce brain swelling, said Laura Boss, a spokeswoman for the Newport-Mesa Unified School District.

Newport Beach police say Crystal Morales was leaving school and crossing Irvine Avenue at Margaret Drive about 2:50 p.m. when she was struck by a Chevrolet Tahoe driven by Marnie J. Lippincott, 38, of Costa Mesa.

Lippincott was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. Her husband said she was on her way to pick up their daughter from school and had not been drinking.

Lippincott was being held in lieu of $100,000 bail. She was scheduled to appear in court Thursday, though no charges had been filed as of late Wednesday, according to jail and court records.

Records indicate Lippincott has had multiple brushes with the law on drug-related charges.

"Obviously it's a really tough time for the Newport Harbor High School family and our hearts and prayers go out to the Morales family," said Boss.

Counseling services were provided to the staff and students of the high school Wednesday.

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