Shermans Dale woman waives hearing in drunk-driving crash - abc27 WHTM

A Shermans Dale woman charged in a crash that killed a motorcyclist in Cumberland County last month had a blood-alcohol content of .256 percent, more than three times the legal limit, according to court documents.

Catherine M. Pusateri, 37, was arraigned before a district judge Tuesday on counts including homicide by vehicle, DUI, and involuntary manslaughter in the death of 60-year-old William Goudy, of Marysville.

Pusateri also waived a preliminary hearing on the charges that were filed Monday, allowing the case against her to proceed to county court. District Judge Paula Correal scheduled a formal arraignment for December 27.

Silver Spring Township police said in the charging papers that Pusateri on August 18 drove directly in front of Goudy as she made a left turn from Route 114 to Interstate 81 and did not yield the right-of-way.

Goudy struck the front passenger door of Pusateri's Mercury Mountaineer and was thrown from his BMW motorcycle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police officers and emergency responders smelled alcohol on Pusateri's breath, documents state. She was given a blood test to check for alcohol at the hospital where she was treated for slight injuries she received in the crash.

Pusateri's attorney, Karl Rominger, said that his client is remorseful for what he called a "tragic accident."

Rominger said his office will investigate whether alcohol was a substantial factor in the crash and they will then determine the charges for which Pusateri will accept full responsibility.