Chester Woman Sentenced in DUI Case That Caused Multi-Vehicle Crash on Bay Bridge

Chester, MD - A Chester woman was sentenced after pleading guilty to causing a multi-vehicle collision on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge while driving under the influence of alcohol.

Gwendolyn Persina, 49, received a sentence of three years of incarceration, with all but 315 days suspended, which she has already served since her arrest.

Additionally, she was sentenced to five years of supervised probation, required to undergo mental health and alcohol evaluations with treatment as recommended, and ordered to abstain from alcohol and drugs.

Persina's conviction stems from a January 27, 2024, collision on the westbound span of the Bay Bridge in Queen Anne's County, Maryland. Authorities reported that Persina, driving a Honda Civic at a high speed in heavy fog, rear-ended another vehicle, disabling her car in the travel lane and triggering a chain-reaction crash involving 23 vehicles.

During the crash, an adult male passenger suffered a life-altering injury, losing his arm. Despite emergency medical assistance, the arm could not be reattached.

Key to the response were an off-duty Maryland State Trooper, an off-duty Maryland State Fire Marshal, and an off-duty Prince George's County Police Officer, who applied a tourniquet and provided emergency care until paramedics arrived. Persina, who also sustained significant injuries, was transported to the hospital.

Subsequent toxicology tests conducted by the Maryland State Police Forensic Science Lab indicated a blood alcohol content (BAC) between 0.24 and 0.27, more than three times the legal limit of 0.08 in Maryland.

The lengthy investigation into the collision delayed formal charges until August 2024. Authorities required months to review a substantial amount of evidence, including vehicle data, medical records, and witness statements.

Once charged, Persina was arrested and held without bail. Her legal team later filed a notice of incompetency to stand trial, leading to further delays. However, on July 2, 2025, the Maryland Department of Health deemed her competent for trial.

Persina entered an Alford plea on July 8, 2025, acknowledging the State had sufficient evidence to convict her while not admitting guilt. The plea agreement was accepted by the Honorable Judge Lynn Knight in Queen Anne's County Circuit Court.

The sentence was consistent with the Maryland Sentencing Guidelines, which recommend a range of six months to three years of active incarceration for this offense.

State's Attorney Lance Richardson for Queen Anne's County praised the efforts of the Maryland Transportation Authority Police Department, particularly lead collision reconstruction expert Senior Officer Steven Barzal, whose thorough investigation contributed significantly to the case.

Richardson also highlighted the contributions of Carolynn Grammas, Assistant State's Attorney from Anne Arundel County, who served as a special prosecutor in the case, calling her expertise "invaluable."

"This case highlights the devastating consequences of driving while under the influence of alcohol," Richardson said. "We are grateful for the swift action of the emergency responders and the dedication of the investigative team, which ensured justice was served."

The Office of the Public Defender represented Ms. Persina in the case.