Impaired Driver Katelyn Miles Arrested After Letting 5-Year-Old Son Drive in Redding Accident
REDDING, CA (July 9, 2019) – Police arrested a DUI driver who allowed her 5-year-old son take the wheel before the car crashed on Saturday.
According to reports, Katelyn Miles admitted to officers of her addiction to drugs. In addition, she stated she was under the influence of methamphetamine and heroin at the time of the two-car accident.
The incident happened around 10:30 p.m. when the City of Redding Police and Fire Departments responded to a car accident report. Callers reported seeing a female driver cause the accident before abandoning her young child and fleeing on foot. However, Good Samaritans were able to chase her down and escort her back to the collision site.
Officials arrived soon after and conducted an investigation. According to testimonies, a silver 2014 Nissan Versa and a blue 2015 Honda Accord collided.
Officials confirmed that Miles allowed her 5-year-old son to take the wheel of the Nissan as he sat on her lap. Their car—traveling about 80 mph in a 35 mph-zone—made a right-hand turn onto Pine Street from Placer Street and plowed into another sedan.
The impact sent both cars careering off the road before ramming into a Cal Trans electrical box, which knocked power out of the intersection’s traffic light.
Brian Thomas, the 41-year-old Redding Honda driver, escaped harm but complained of pain. Although neither Miles nor her son wore a seatbelt, both appeared uninjured. However, despite this claim, paramedics brought the boy to a hospital as a precaution.
Following the accident, police booked Miles, of Shasta Lake, into Shasta County Jail in Redding. She faces charges of DUI, driving while addicted to drugs, hit and run and child endangerment.
Drugs and alcohol make us feel invincible, leading us to believe we can drive or are capable of anything. If you’re under the influence, rely on a taxi driver or a trusted sober friend to bring you home safely. You can avoid devastating collisions by making a more sensible decision like this.
The Sweet Lawyers are a trusted source and legal team for families seeking prosecution. If you’re facing insurmountable pain, medical bills or trauma, call (800) 674 7852. We’re happy to discuss your car accident case further and determine the next steps in granting you justice, full compensation and better peace of mind.