Mom of woman who police say crashed into UPMC Mercy: ‘She wasn't in right state of mind'

PITTSBURGH — A woman who police said crashed into UPMC Mercy Hospital Tuesday is facing several charges including aggravated assault.

"I know she wasn't in the right state of mind today at all, not at all.  She was going back and forth and not making sense in some of the conversations we had," said Nichole Clelland's mother, Martha Meyer.

Meyer said her daughter has been in and out of the legal system since she was 18 years old.  Meyer said Clelland, now 35, violated her parole but didn't want to go back to jail.

"She wound up swallowing some batteries, razor blades and a pen.  She said she loved me and whatever happens, happens," said Meyer.

An ambulance took Clelland to UPMC Mercy where she was treated and released. 

Police said Clelland then stole a car and drove it into the hospital's revolving doors.  Meyer said she watched the mayhem unfold on Channel 11 News at noon.

"I don't even think she knew what she was doing.  She still might not even realize it.  She might be down there wondering why she's in jail," said Meyer.

Police spokeswoman Sonya Toler said the car Clelland took either belonged to someone delivering something to the hospital or dropping someone off.

"There was a patient here at the hospital who was discharged and decided to hop into a vehicle she did not own and ended up in the front door," said Toler.

Four innocent people were injured.

"I just want her to get the help that she needs, and I wish someone would call me and tell me she's OK," said Meyer.

A University of Pittsburgh Medical Center spokesman said the entrance was closed, and the door must be repaired. Patients, visitors and others were being asked to use other entrances.

WPXI