LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – Louisville Metro ABC has suspended the liquor license for Veronica’s Mexican Restaurant on Poplar Level Road after investigation revealed an individual involved in a fatal crash was served there.
The deadly crash happened on Thursday, May 14, 2026 at the 700 block of Logan Street, with officers responding at approximately 4:53 p.m. One occupant of the car was killed, two others were injured . Officers arrested Dasharay Ben’e who admitted to drinking before the crash. A toxicology report revealed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.168.
The coroner identified the victim as Ayanna Wilbanks, 19. Metro ABC reports Wilbanks’ bac was 0.18.
“Anybody in, in the establishment, whether it’s somebody that works there or somebody that was there, you know, for lunch or to enjoy a drink as well, would have been able to clearly see that these people were way too impaired to be exiting the place, let alone getting behind the wheel of the vehicle,” Metro ABC Chief Investigator Ronald Fey said.
Fey said the intoxication was visible to witnesses and in surveillance video.
Ben’e was charged with vehicular homicide while under the influence, wanton endangerment, criminal mischief, failure of owner to maintain insurance and operating a vehicle while under the influence.
It remains unclear if Ben’e or Wilbanks was asked by staff to provide an ID.
This is the 11th emergency suspension order issued by Louisville Metro ABC as part of expanded efforts to address unsafe conditions and improve public safety.
“Emergency Suspension Orders are not issued lightly, but when circumstances are serious and warrant intervention, we have a responsibility to act,” said Louisville Metro ABC Director Brad Silveria. “Public safety remains our highest priority, and ABC will continue to work to ensure alcohol is served responsibly and in accordance with Kentucky law.”
ABC’s investigation into potential alcohol-related violations at the establishment, including over-service, is ongoing. This action is limited to the Veronica’s location on Poplar Level Road.
WAVE reached out to the attorney for Veronica’s Mexican Restaurant for comment on the ESO and had not heard back at the time of publication.
Metro ABC said they are working toward a new program called ‘Raise the Bar,’ aimed at bettering informing businesses that serve alcohol on the signs of impairment and what to do when it’s necessary to cut someone off. The specific details have not yet been released.
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