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Diasporia News of Sunday, 31 October 2004

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Woman Critically Wounded In Bronx By Drunken driver

A woman visiting US from Ghana was critically wounded by a drunken driver in the Bronx, USA , police said.

Jennifer Osei, 54, was critically wounded when she was struck on the head by a street pole that was knocked over by a car that jumped the curb on West 170th Street, in High Bridge.

The driver, Victor Serra, 39, stumbled out of the car and was surrounded by a small group of area residents, according to David Boachie, Osei's brother-in-law, who was walking with her.

"You can't leave," the group told Serra, according to Boachie. When police arrived they arrested Serra, of upstate Middletown, and charged him with driving while intoxicated.

Osei, knocked unconscious, was rushed to Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center, where she was listed in critical condition late yesterday.

Boachie said Osei came here from Ghana several months ago to visit her son. Osei, a government worker back home, and Boachie were heading to a friend's house when Boachie saw Serra turn left from Plimpton Avenue, driving erratically.

"I was telling her, 'Look how that guy is driving," said Boachie, a teacher's assistant. "I saw him ram right into the pole. I was trying to prevent her from [getting hit by] the car. When I turned I heard a boom and I saw her laying flat on the ground."

Boachie said doctors expect Osei to pull through "We're hoping God will do his work," he said.

Despite Serra's alleged intoxication,, Boachie said he has no ill feelings toward him.

"I pray for him."