Woman Charged With Manslaughter Following Norman Wreck

A woman has been formally charged following a head on crash, at Flood Ave. and Venture Drive, August 8, in Norman.

Police said a 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer driven by 43-year-old Nicole Chavez crossed the center lane, traveling southbound in the northbound lanes, and collided with a 2017 Ford Fiesta that was driven by 23-year-old Danielle Bamford.

Bamford was taken to a local hospital where she later passed away from injuries she sustained from the crash, officials said.

Chavez was transported to a local hospital where she was treated and later released. 

Court documents filed yesterday accuse the suspect of being under the influence of narcotic antidepressants, saying that it impaired her ability to drive.

At least five witnesses called 911 to report the crash. Here are excerpts of those calls:

Caller: Both of the cars, no one is getting out of them.

911 Operator: What kind of vehicles are they?

Caller: It looks like a Sedan, and a Trailblazer

911 Operator: Did you witness it?

Caller: Yes I did.

Another driver reports dodging Chavez, as her SUV almost wrecked into her.

911 Operator: Are you at the scene of the crash?

Caller: Yes. I was actually the person they were head-on with, and I swerved, and they hit the person right behind me.

Chavez was taken into custody by the Norman Police Department and later transported to the F. DeWayne Beggs Detention Center where she was booked in on one count of Manslaughter in the First Degree, officials said.

Chavez is being held on a $300,000 bond and will be in court again September 4, at 9 a.m.