5 Children Endangered As Drunk Mom Plows Into 3 Mailboxes: Joliet PD

JOLIET, IL — Latoya Harrison, a 36-year-old woman who comes from the Plainfield area of Joliet, was arrested Wednesday morning on charges of DUI and five counts of endangering the life or health of a child after crashing into three mailboxes and driving away from the 2400 block of Ruth Fitzgerald Drive, Joliet police noted.

According to Joliet police spokesman Dwayne English, the following events led to Harrison's arrest:

• At 10:27 a.m., Joliet police were sent to Ruth Fitzgerald Drive for a single-vehicle crash.
• A Chevrolet Venture driven by Harrison was northbound in the 2400 block of Ruth Fitzgerald Drive when she struck three mailboxes on the east side of the street.
• Harrison then left the accident scene along with five young children who were passengers.
• Later, officers caught up to Harrison and the children while they were walking in the 2700 block of Ruth Fitzgerald Drive.
• Officers confirmed Harrison was driving the vehicle and involved in the crash.
• Harrison showed signs of alcohol impairment and refused to perform field sobriety tests.
• At the time of her arrest, Harrison confirmed that her five children were passengers in the vehicle at the time of the crash.
• A relative came and took custody of the children, two boys, ages 5 and 7 and three girls ages 2,3 and 5.
• Joliet police say Harrison was released from custody after posting cash and her driver's license following Wednesday morning's arrest.