Drunk Driver Hit Parents Pushing Stroller In Stafford County: Police

STAFFORD COUNTY, VA — A drunk driver hit a family of four pedestrians in Stafford County on Sunday, the Stafford County Sheriff's Office said.

The family, which included two adults and their two children, suffered minor injuries.

Authorities identified the driver as Rachel Kinard. She was arrested and charged with driving under the influence second offense within five years, driving while revoked, second offense refusal, obstruction of justice, possessing a counterfeit vehicle inspection, having another vehicle’s inspection sticker, expired registration sticker, and failure to yield to a pedestrian.

In a Facebook post, the sheriff's office said Kinard was held without bond. Her next court date is scheduled for Dec. 21, according to court records.

The crash occurred around 7 p.m. on Sunday at the intersection of Fieldstone Court and Whitson Ridge Drive. Investigators said the two parents were pushing their child across the street in a stroller when Kinard crashed into them.

Deputies said they could smell alcohol on Kinard's breath from several feet away. She said she hadn't had anything to drink, but deputies found a 11 mini-bottles of vodka and a receipt for the alcohol, according to the police report.

Authorities also noted that Kinard had a fraudulent inspection sticker on her car. Her license was also already suspended for driving under the influence.

"October is National Pedestrian Safety month," the sheriff's office said. "Not only does everyone need to drive sober, but remain on the lookout for pedestrians to ensure their safety."

Virginia's drunken driving laws are among the harshest in the nation, the DMV said. If a driver is convicted for a first DUI offense, the minimum punishment includes a $250 fine and a revocation of the driver's license for one year. A DUI conviction can also require the installation of an ignition interlock device.

Across the country, 28 people die in drunken driving crashes every day, according to the DMV.

Resources are available for people who are struggling with addiction. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration operates a 24/7 hotline that can help people find resources and get the help they need.