GULF BREEZE, FL (WALA)—A child sitting behind the wheel during a traffic stop resulted in the arrest of the child’s mother, who was in the passenger seat, according to the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office.
This happened early Sunday, when a Santa Rosa County deputy observed a traffic violation. The driver was traveling westbound on Highway 98 in Gulf Breeze when the deputy observed the vehicle swerving, the Sheriff’s Office reports. The deputy conducted a traffic stop and discovered the driver was not only unlicensed but also underage—approximately 12 years old.
The adult parent was in the passenger seat, and there were two other juveniles seated in the back of the vehicle, according to a SRCSO news release.
After an investigation into the incident, the adult passenger responsible for the juveniles was arrested. The news release identifies her as Francisca Darla Saria.
She was arrested and charged with the following:
• Permitting an Unauthorized Minor to Drive (Felony)
• Child Neglect
• Expired Registration
• No Proof of Insurance
Bond was set at $23,000, according to the news release.
Jail records show 43-year-old Saria, of Milton, was released on bond Sunday.
Mom charged with DWI after son dies in crash
Eden, NC (WGHP)—A mother has been charged with DWI after her 4-year-old son died when her Jeep ran off the road and hit a tree, according to highway patrol.
Around 3:10 p.m. Saturday, Shannon Hudson, 33, was driving a Jeep Liberty on Settle Bridge Road.
Highway patrol says the Jeep ran off the road to the right and traveled out of control for 161 feet and hit a tree.
Her 4-year-old son was in the back middle seat and not in a child seat. He died on the way to the hospital at 4:09 p.m.
Hudson was taken to a hospital in Eden with minor injuries.
She was charged with DWI, felony death by motor vehicle, having an expired license and a child seat violation.
Troopers say speed was not a factor in the crash.
