Brooke Smith, 41, was arrested after Fresno police said she drove under the influence with two juveniles in her vehicle, fled a crash, and later crashed into a guardrail. (Fresno PD)
Share
|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
A 41-year-old woman was arrested Saturday after Fresno police said she drove recklessly while under the influence with two juveniles in her vehicle, sideswiped another vehicle, and crashed near Highway 180.
Officers were dispatched about 6:07 p.m. to a traffic collision near Shields and Fowler avenues after receiving a report that one of the drivers had children in her vehicle, was possibly under the influence, and had left the scene, police said.
Motor officers located the vehicle traveling west on Highway 180.
The department’s AIR1 helicopter began tracking the vehicle from above while motor officers followed from a safe distance, police said.
View this post on Instagram
According to police, the helicopter crew observed the driver traveling at a high rate of speed, driving on the shoulder, tailgating other vehicles, and sideswiping another vehicle.
Driver Drives Into Dirt Embankment
The driver exited westbound Highway 180 at the Blackstone Avenue-Abby Avenue offramp at a high rate of speed before driving off the right side of the road and onto a dirt embankment, police said.
The vehicle traveled down the embankment and back up before entering the westbound Highway 180 onramp and crashing into a guardrail.
Police said the driver attempted to continue driving, but the vehicle could not move because of extensive front-end damage.
Juvenile Runs From Car to an Officer
A juvenile sitting in the front passenger seat got out of the vehicle and ran to a motor officer asking for help, police said. The juvenile had visible injuries to her head from the collision.
A second juvenile in the vehicle also complained of pain following the crash.
Officers detained the driver, identified as Brooke Smith.
Police said Smith was extremely unsteady on her feet, had slurred speech, and had a strong odor of alcohol on her breath.
Following a DUI investigation, Smith was arrested on suspicion of DUI involving drugs and alcohol, reckless driving, hit-and-run, and felony child endangerment.
She was booked into the Fresno County Jail.
—
Connect with Anthony W. Haddad on social media. Got a tip? Send an email.
RELATED TOPICS:
Categories
Bessent Says US Likely to Announce Iran Bank Sanctions This Week
US Military Says It Is Striking Targets in Iran
