Automobile Accidents: Seat Switching Alleged in Accident

Five minors and a liquor store clerk who is believed to have sold alcohol to the minors are being charged in the death of high school student Samara Stricklen. Nanette LaFleur, 17, faces vehicular homicide and eight other counts while Alison Bowen, 16, is being charged with a DUI and a felony count for trying to deceive law enforcement. Van Thien Pham, 44, faces 10 counts of providing alcohol to a minor.

Seat Switching Alleged in Deadly Teenage Car Accident

On March 13, a car containing LaFleur and Bowen crossed the double yellow line on West Alameda Parkway. The vehicle struck a car driven by Seth Mutschler. Mutschler suffered serious injuries, and his passenger Striklen died. The indictment against LaFleur says that she persuaded Bowen to switch places with her because the vehicle was registered to Bowen's parents. Lakewood Police Chief Ron Burns said that "Alison Bowen was identified initially as the driver when an off-duty officer arrived very shortly after the accident scene and saw Alison Bowen behind the wheel of the vehicle. The passengers in the vehicle indicated Alison Bowen was the driver."