It’s already dangerous for a drunk driver to be behind the wheel. It’s even worse when that car has two children inside. That’s what happened in California when the Fresno Police Department responded to a hit-and-run and then chased a female driver with children inside her SUV fleeing and driving recklessly down the freeway. By the end of the chase, one juvenile who was sitting in the passenger seat opened the door and fled toward the officers for safety.
41-year-old driver arrested for DUI, child endangerment, and more
On August 29 at around 6:00 p.m., officers were dispatched to a traffic collision near Fowler Avenue and Shields Avenue and learned that a female driver, later identified as 41-year-old Brooke Smith, had fled the scene of the crash, according to a post by the Fresno Police Department on its official Facebook page.
Motor officers also learn that the driver is suspected to be under the influence and has children in her vehicle, prompting them to search for it quickly. They locate the white SUV traveling westbound on State Route 180, as an AIR1 from the department’s Helicopter Crew followed it from overhead. The crew told officers that it observed the vehicle driving recklessly, which includes speeding, tailgating, going onto the shoulder, and sideswiping one vehicle.
Fortunately for law enforcement, the driver missed the ramp while trying to exit near Blackstone Avenue and Abby Avenue. Aerial footage shows the vehicle driving through the dirt, turning around, and then colliding with a guard rail, stopping the SUV in its place. Smith attempted to drive off but the damage done to the front end of the vehicle prevented it from moving.
That’s when a juvenile in the front right passenger seat opens the door and runs toward the officer asking for help. The child had visible injuries to her head. Another juvenile in the vehicle was in pain due to the collision.
Smith was detained by officers, who observed her with “slurred speech” and “a strong odor of alcohol emitting from her breath.” She was then arrested for DUI, reckless driving, hit-and-run, and felony child endangerment. Smith was booked at the Fresno County Jail.
The post does not provide information on the children’s current condition and the relationship between Smith and the two juveniles.
