Woman faces charges after Bay Bridge accident in January

A woman was arrested Wednesday and charged with causing life-threatening injuries in a 23-car crash on the Bay Bridge in Queen Anne's County in January.

The Maryland Department of Transportation said in a statement that Gwendolyn Persina, 48, of Chester, was speeding in a 2018 Honda Civic when she collided with another vehicle shortly before 8 a.m., causing the rear-end crash on Jan. 27.

MDTA police issued an arrest warrant for Persina on Tuesday. She faces several charges, including causing life-threatening injury while under the influence of alcohol, driving while under the influence, driving without a license and reckless driving.

One person with life-threatening injuries was taken to a local hospital, while 11 other people were taken to local hospitals.

Persina is being held without bail and will have a hearing on his motion on Monday, November 4.

Persina has a previous conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol. She was sentenced to 18 months probation in Queen Anne's County in 2022.