Women Rescued From Flooding In East Austin Now Face Charges

EAST AUSTIN, TX -- Two women that had to be rescued last week by first responders during recent storms now face charges for having driven around barricades meant to alert them of high waters.

Shelby Haney, 20, and Marissa Elaine Roberts, 22, had to be rescued by a STAR Flight helicopter after they became stranded in high waters on May 19. It was stormy day that had EMS and Star Flight crews busy with high water rescues.

The women's rescue occurrred at Bitting School Road in Elgin.

Travis County Sheriff's Office spokesman Roger Wade explained to Fox 7 News how the two women found themselves in the predicament: "They decided it was imperative that they get some items out of a car (that was swept away by fast-moving water) so they went back around the barricades and tried to get into the car. At that point they had to be rescued," he said.

The charges are something of a deterrent to warn others that those high-water barricades are installed for a reason.

"We want you to understand that when we put up barricades, it is to keep you safe, don't drive around them, and if we can't get that message across with the barricade, we will do it with a summons and filing charges," Wade said.

"You're actually not just putting your life in danger but the lives of first responders that need to come out and rescue you in danger," Wade added.

The two women now face up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine.

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