An Oklahoma mother is being accused of driving under the influence of an intoxicant stemming from a traffic stop made by Del City Police March 27. A police officer claims that when he stopped the woman, she seemed confused and disoriented. The officer administered a field sobriety test and judged that the woman was under the influence of an intoxicant, so he took her into custody. Charges against her include child endangerment and several charges related to DUI and improper driving.
The reason for the traffic stop was that at about 9:40 p.m., police received a report concerning an erratic driver in the area of Epperly Drive and SE 29th Street. After spotting the reported vehicle, an officer followed the 1982 Acura Legend and observed that it was not maintaining its lane. After some time of attempting to conduct a traffic stop, the officer pulled the vehicle over in the 2800 block of Vickie, after which he discovered that she had five children in the car with her, ranging in age from 1 to 8.
According to reports, the officer asked the woman if she had been drinking and if she had taken medication. She stated that she had not consumed any alcohol but she does take methadone. While waiting for an acquaintance to pick up the children, the woman asked if it would be acceptable to give her purse to the acquaintance. The officer claims that he became suspicious and asked about the contents of the purse. After the woman agreed to let him search her purse, he allegedly found two oxycodone pills.
The woman refused a blood test, which may prevent there being physical evidence for her case since drugs cannot be detected through a breath test. When the prosecution has a lack of physical evidence against an accused individual, they may be more willing to negotiate for reduced charges.
Source: News9.com, "Five Kids Found In Car After DUI Stop In Del City", Matthew Nuttle, April 09, 2014
