Woman Under Influence Hits Student and Teacher Outside School

Nickeya Mitchell charged with DUI after striking pedestrians on sidewalk

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Pittsburgh police say a woman was driving under the influence when she hit a 12-year-old student and a teacher outside Westinghouse Academy last fall. Nickeya Mitchell's SUV jumped the curb, striking the pedestrians on the sidewalk. Police found open alcohol containers in Mitchell's vehicle, and a breathalyzer test showed her blood alcohol content was nearly twice the legal limit.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing issue of impaired driving and the dangers it poses to pedestrians, especially near schools where children are present. It raises concerns about traffic safety and the need for increased enforcement and education around drunk driving.

The details

According to police, Nickeya Mitchell told officers she swerved to avoid hitting a truck and accidentally pressed the accelerator instead of the brakes, causing her SUV to jump the curb and strike the 12-year-old student and the teacher who were on the sidewalk. Police found open containers of alcohol in Mitchell's vehicle, and a breathalyzer test showed her blood alcohol content was almost twice the legal limit.

  • The incident occurred last fall outside Westinghouse Academy in the Homewood West neighborhood of Pittsburgh.

The players

Nickeya Mitchell

A woman who was driving under the influence when she struck a student and teacher on the sidewalk outside Westinghouse Academy.

Westinghouse Academy

A school in Pittsburgh's Homewood West neighborhood where the incident took place.

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What they’re saying

“We must do more to prevent drunk driving and protect pedestrians, especially near our schools.”

— Mayor Peduto, Mayor of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

What’s next

Police are continuing to investigate the incident, and charges against Nickeya Mitchell are pending.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for stronger enforcement and education around impaired driving to keep our communities, especially around schools, safe for pedestrians.