A hit-and-run accident led to the recent arrest of an Illinois woman. Police claim that she fled the scene of the single-vehicle wreck, but was found a short while later and accused of drunk driving. Although treated for minor injuries by responding paramedics, she did not require any further medical treatment.
Police were initially called to the scene of an accident around 10:30 at night, and when they arrived they discovered a vehicle that had been left on the sidewalk with its driver missing. The vehicle had apparently struck a nearby street light, which had been knocked over, leaving live wires in the road. A witness then approached the officers and claimed that he or she had spotted the driver fleeing the scene. Working with the witness’ description, police began a brief search that ended minutes later.
The 47-year-old woman was evaluated by paramedics, and police noticed that she appeared to be slurring her words while struggling to stand steady. Although the driver did not initially admit that she was intoxicated, she apparently did tell police that she had left a bar earlier in the evening. She then allegedly failed roadside field sobriety testing and was taken into custody. Once at the police station, she reporteldy admitted that she had been drinking before climbing behind the wheel, but refused to submit to a Breathalyzer test that would have determined her blood-alcohol content.
Charged with hit-and-run, driving on a sidewalk, failing to reduce her speed to avoid causing an accident and drunk driving, this woman’s future could be on the line. Serious charges such as these often have severe consequences, including jail time, steep fines and the possibility for a criminal record. Illinois defendants should be vigorous in their defense preparations, which includes taking the time to carefully review all charges and related evidence under the guidance of an experienced counsel.
Source: La Grange, IL Patch, “Drunk Driver Drives On Sidewalk, Hits Light Pole, Flees: Cops“, Andrea Earnest, Dec. 2, 2017