Investigation links alcohol service at Louisville Mexican restaurant to fatal Smoketown crash

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Louisville Metro ABC suspended the liquor license for Veronica's Mexican Restaurant on Poplar level Road after an investigation found someone who drank alcohol there was then involved in a fatal crash in the Smoketown neighborhood.

ABC said in a news release Wednesday that the emergency suspension order is part of "expanded efforts to address unsafe conditions" and improve public safety.

"Emergency Suspension Orders are not issued lightly, but when circumstances are serious and warrant intervention, we have a responsibility to act," Louisville Metro ABC Director Brad Silveria said in the news release. "Public safety remains our highest priority, and ABC will continue to work to ensure alcohol is served responsibly and in accordance with Kentucky law."

Louisville Metro Police spokesperson Adam Sears said officers responded at 4:53 p.m. May 14 to reports of an injury collision in the 700 block of Logan Street. That's between South Shelby and South Campbell streets.

Once officers arrived, they found three occupants in the car who were injured. One woman was pronounced dead at the scene, and two others were transported to UofL Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The Jefferson County Coroner's Office identified the victim as Ayanna Wilbanks, 19, of Louisville.

Later that week, LMPD officers arrested 23-year-old Dashary Ben'e. One of the two people transported to UofL Hospital, Ben'e tol police she drank one margarita before the crash. Police said a toxicology report revealed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.168.

She was charged with vehicular homicide while under the influence, wanton endangerment, criminal mischief, failure of owner to maintain insurance and operating a vehicle while under the influence.

ABC said its investigation into possible "alcohol-related violations" at Veronica's are ongoing.

"Operations that break the law, threaten public safety and cause tragic accidents have no place in Louisville," Mayor Craig Greenberg said in the news release. "I appreciate the team at Louisville Metro ABC as we continue to use every tool at our disposal to protect residents and visitors in our city."