Head-on Collision In Downingtown Lands Woman A Guilty Verdict

WEST CHESTER, PA— A 42-year-old Coatesville woman was convicted this week in the Chester County Justice Center of driving under the influence of illegal drugs when crashing head-on into another vehicle, injuring a mother and daughter.

Melissa Messner was found guilty of aggravated assault while driving under the influence of cocaine and methamphetamine on May 30, 2020 on East Lancaster Avenue in Downingtown. She is awaiting sentencing.

“This outrageous behavior jeopardized the safety of many people, and it will never be condoned,” District Attorney Deb Ryan said after the verdict.

Messner’s lawyer, Mark Rassman of Kennett Square argued that Messner was not driving, and actually got in the driver’s seat to cover for the actual driver.

According to prosecutors:

• The crash occurred at 12:48 p.m. when a vehicle driven by Messner crashed head-on into a vehicle in the westbound lane, according to police.
• Messner was passed out in the driver’s side of her vehicle. A bystander helped remove occupants from the vehicles.
• Messner and the victims were taken to Paoli Hospital.
• The woman sustained a severe bone fracture in her ankle, which has required four surgeries, including a total bone replacement, with more to come in the future. The 14-year-old also sustained injuries to her hips and chest.