Jamestown Grandmother Accused Of Hit-And-Run, DUI And Child Endangerment
SONORA (CBS13) – Police say a grandmother has been arrested on DUI and child endangerment charges.
The incident happened Tuesday afternoon near Sonora Elementary School. According to the Sonora Police Department, someone called 911 to report that a speeding driver had collided with their car.
The caller also said that the erratic driver had run a red light and was last seen turning into the school.
When officers got to the scene, they spotted the car pushed up against a gate leading towards the school's shop area. Looking into the car, the officers spotted a woman in the driver's seat and a young boy in the back seat.
Police identified the driver as 67-year-old Jamestown resident Gladys Collins. Officers noted that her speech was slurred, her eyes were watery and bloodshot, plus other signs they say suggested she was under the influence.
An officer reached into the car to take the keys out of the ignition, but Collins put up a fight. She reportedly started her car again and put it in gear, but the officer was able to put the car in park before she could push the gas pedal.
Police say Collins punched the officer in the face during the struggle. It took the help of a citizen nearby to help get Collins out of the car and into custody.
Collins was taken to Sonora Regional Medical Center to be checked out due to medical conditions she claims to have. Officers reportedly found several bottles of prescription medications in her purse.
The child, who was Collins' grandson, was released into the custody of his grandfather.
Collins is facing charges of felony child endangerment, resisting arrest, battery of a police officer, plus misdemeanor hit-and-run and driving under the influence.