She was charged with driving under the influence with a minor under 16 years of age and second-degree recklessly endangering safety, both felonies. She also faces misdemeanor charges of operating while intoxicated and violating terms of her interlock ignition device.
Bernard refused to take a sobriety test administered by the deputy until his supervisor arrived. She then failed multiple field sobriety tests
Deputy Whitney Hendon said neither Bernard nor her son was wearing a seat belt when he pulled alongside her SUV. When Bernard pulled over moments later, the boy was in the front passenger seat wearing a seat belt, with a dog sitting in the back seat.
Arresting officer, Herndon told WISN: “She stated there was no one who operated the car other than her,” Herndon said.
“That’s when the small child began to cry. He said, ‘I don’t want to go to jail.’”
The boy has since been turned over to child protective services.
“It was concerning to me the mom would risk her 8-year-old child so she could operate a vehicle,” Hendon continued. “You’re risking your child and the public. It’s scary to think about.”
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