Police are commending the actions of two individuals following the arrest of a woman who had allegedly been driving under the influence with children in the car.
"We're thankful they intervened and were able to keep the situation under control until the police got there," said Cpl. Michael Mahan. "It's certainly within reason to assume that their efforts prevented these children from being injured or killed."
Naomi Johnson, 31, of Muskogee was arrested on complaints of aggravated driving under the influence, child endangerment, no insurance, operating without a valid driver's license and expired license plate, Mahan said. Johnson is being held in the Muskogee County/City Detention Facility on $10,000 bond.
Police were called about 8 p.m. Tuesday by LaShonda Keys, who said she had been followed closely by a vehicle which struck the curb line on the right side of the road several times. The vehicle followed her from R Street and Chandler Road, traveling east on Chandler to Kum & Go at York Street, Mahan said.
Keys said while the vehicle was following her, she saw the children in the car, and two were hanging out the windows. She said she called 911 because she was concerned for the safety of Johnson and others.
When police arrived at the convenience store parking lot, the 1991 Lincoln Town Car that Johnson was driving had two flat tires, and Johnson was attempting to leave the parking lot. Another individual was trying to prevent her from leaving, Mahan said. That individual was not identified in the police report.
Officers initiated a traffic stop. Johnson showed signs of being intoxicated, and she was arrested, Mahan said.
Officers may cite drivers who are driving under the influence with a blood alcohol content of .08. Aggravated DUI occurs when the BAC is .15.
Three children were in the vehicle with Johnson -- two boys, ages 5 and 7; and a girl, 8. The children were released to the custody of relatives, and the Department of Human Services was notified of the situation, Mahan said.
Copyright 2014 - Muskogee Phoenix, Okla.
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
