A local nurse is facing charges after police say she drove under the influence while picking up her children from school — and was reported by her own kids.
Body camera footage released by authorities shows officers confronting the woman outside a school parking lot on September 24. Police say the nurse appeared visibly impaired, prompting her children to alert staff and call for help.
According to reports, the children told school officials that their mother had been drinking before arriving to pick them up. Officers who responded said the woman smelled strongly of alcohol and displayed slurred speech.
The nurse, whose name has not yet been released, was taken into custody on suspicion of driving under the influence and child endangerment. Her children were placed in the care of relatives.
“This is a sobering reminder of the dangers of impaired driving,” a police spokesperson said. “The fact that her own children recognized the risk and asked for help may have prevented a tragedy.”
The incident has sparked community concern, especially given the woman’s role in the medical field. Parents at the school expressed both shock and relief that the children acted courageously.
“She could have hurt them or someone else,” one parent said. “It’s scary to think about, but I’m glad the kids spoke up.”
Court proceedings are pending. Authorities emphasized that driving under the influence with children in the car carries severe penalties and can have lifelong consequences.