Muskegon, Mich. – An 18-year-old woman was released to her mother after being charged with two felonies on Monday.
Audra LaVassuer was arraigned in Muskegon County 60th District Court on two counts of assault with a deadly weapon, after she allegedly ran down two teenage girls with her car late Saturday night or early Sunday morning, striking one of them.
According to Muskegon County Prosecutor DJ Hilson, the incident stemmed from an argument via text messages between the group.
“It’s my understanding that it was as a result of some text messages going between the parties and based on those words a fight was going to ensue,” Hilson stated.
Lavassuer’s mother told FOX 17 the texts her daughter received that night were “terrible.” She believes her daughter was scared, and the whole incident was an accident.
The two victims were reportedly walking near Glen Avenue and Glenside Road, when LaVassuer approached the intersection in her car, and drove into the girls.
“One of the victims was able to get out of the way of the vehicle and suffered some minor bruising on her legs,” Hilson explained. “The other victim was struck, suffering some cuts on her head, broken teeth bruising on her legs, scrapes and bruising on her lower back.”
LaVassuer’s mother posted a family surety bond of $10,000 and the Muskegon High School grad was released, according to court records.
Prosecutor Hilson says the teen does not have a record as an adult. Mom says her daughter has never been in trouble, and is usually shy and quiet, adding that LaVassuer went to work early Tuesday morning, and was in class at Muskegon Community College that evening.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 18.
