Anne Heche car crash investigation upgraded to 'felony', police say
Police are said to have upgraded an investigation into actor Anne Heche's car crash to felony status as she remains in critical condition following the collision.
Heche was driving in the Mar Vista neighbourhood of Los Angeles when she crashed her car into a house on Friday (5 August), causing both her vehicle and the property to set on fire.
A spokesperson for the actor confirmed she was in critical condition as a result of the crash and that she had slipped 'into a coma' in the aftermath.
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Speaking to CNN, they added: "She has a significant pulmonary injury requiring mechanical ventilation and burns that require surgical intervention. She is currently being treated at the Grossman Burn Center."
Investigators were initially investigating Heche for the misdemeanour charge of DUI and hit and run, but sources with the Los Angeles Police Department have told TMZ the investigation has now been upgraded to a felony.
The upgrade comes as the woman inside the home struck by the car claims to have suffered injuries requiring medical treatment due to the crash.
The woman who lived in the home has been identified as Lynne Mischele, who was renting from owners John and Jennifer Durand at the time of the incident.
The Durands have since started a GoFundMe page to help Mischele rebuild her life, claiming she lost everything except for a 'few damaged sentimental belongings'.
The page reads: "Lynne lives with her beautiful pups Bree and Rueban, and tortoise Marley in the Mar Vista home that was destroyed this week by a car driving into the home at a high rate of speed, catching the house on fire. Lynne and her family very narrowly escaped physical harm, and for that we are very, very grateful. The home, however, was completely burned...
"Lynne lost her entire lifetime of possessions, mementos, all equipment for her business. With firefighters' help, she was able to pull a few damaged sentimental belongings from the wreckage. Everything else is gone."
Heche herself is said to has suffered 'severe burns' in the crash, with the LAPD noting she appeared to have been under the influence and acting erratically when she hit the house.
Investigators obtained a warrant for a blood draw on the day of the incident to help determine whether Heche was under the influence, though the results could take weeks to come back. Once the investigation is concluded, the case will be referred to the LA City Attorney's office.
UNILAD has contacted the LAPD for comment.
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Emily Brown