Drunk Mother Arrested after Crashing Car and Leaving Her Baby Inside: Florida Deputies
Clermont, FL- A woman from Clermont was taken into custody on Thursday following allegations that she failed to assist a baby that was trapped in the back of a car she had crashed.
According to a police report, an officer was called to the scene of a collision on Thursday afternoon in the vicinity of Hancock and Johns Lake roads.
An officer discovered a Jeep overturned in a ditch, with a baby trapped in the back seat, according to the affidavit.
Officers successfully rescued the child from the car, while the driver, Josefina Lopez, 21, was discovered standing on the sidewalk next to the overturned Jeep. Investigators noted that she did not make any efforts to remove the child from the vehicle.
Furthermore, authorities noted that Lopez’s breath had a distinct odor of alcohol and her eyes seemed watery and red.
During the U-turn, Lopez stated that the vehicle veered off the road and overturned.
According to the affidavit, when questioned by the police about her speed, Lopez admitted that she was uncertain but acknowledged that she was exceeding the appropriate speed limit for the area, which is typically around 50-60 mph.
Lopez and the child were transported to the hospital, where the child received necessary medical attention. According to the police, Lopez informed them that she was homeless and had nowhere for herself and the child to stay.
The deputies also reported that Lopez declined involvement in field sobriety exercises and breath tests.
Lopez has been arrested and is now facing charges related to a DUI incident involving property damage, as well as charges of abuse, aggravated abuse, and neglect of a child. She is being held on a bond of $7,000.
According to authorities, the child has been entrusted to a trusted family friend. However, Lopez has reportedly informed a Department of Children and Families employee that she intends to relocate out of state once she is released, citing a lack of accommodation options in Florida.
Source: ClickOrlando
