Staff Reports
moc.letsremrafobfsctd@yellavntm
HENAGAR, Ala. – IDER – A Henagar woman was arrested after leaving the scene of an accident. She was charged with driving while under the influence with children in the vehicle, among other charges.
The Ider Police Department reported that on Monday, April 8, at approximately 7:15 pm, the 911 Center received a call of a motor vehicle accident near the Georgia State line. Shortly after, they received another call that stated someone was attempting to tow the wrecked vehicle away from the scene with a chain. The caller said the occupants of both vehicles were intoxicated.
Officer Morgan and Chief Malone checked the area. At 7:50 p.m., Officer Morgan observed the vehicles at County Road 141 and Highway 117. The wrecked vehicle was still being towed, and the chain was connected to it. Officer Morgan initiated a traffic stop on both vehicles for driving on the wrong side of the roadway.
The officers smelled alcohol coming from both vehicles. The driver of the towing vehicle was identified as Jaya Sullivan. Inside the vehicle were a passenger and two small children in car seats. Officers discovered that Mrs. Sullivan held an active warrant for a probation violation with the Walker County Sheriff’s Office(GA) and did not have a driver’s license.
During the investigation, Mrs. Sullivan was administered a standardized field sobriety test, and a preliminary breath test. The preliminary breath test results showed a reading of being over the legal limit to operate a motor vehicle. The vehicle being towed by her was also being operated by a juvenile who was also under the influence of alcohol.
The juvenile being towed was released to his mother, and the young juvenile children were released to their father on the scene.
Due to Sullivan’s intoxication, unlawfully and recklessly towing another vehicle into oncoming traffic with two small children in the vehicle, she was charged with two counts of reckless endangerment and one count of driving under the influence of alcohol.
Sullivan was transported to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office to await bond. The Department of Human Resources was contacted in reference to the juveniles involved.
Chief Malone issued the following statement concerning the incident, “Officer Morgan’s vigilance in staying alert and aware could have easily saved multiple lives last night. I’m thankful we have Officers who care, who don’t turn a blind eye, and who are proactive. It’s moments like these that make me so proud and the job worthwhile. Especially knowing my officers kept these children, the public, and drivers out of harm’s way. Great job to my men on yet another job well done, keeping our streets safe.”