A 32-year-old woman from Las Vegas was taken into custody earlier this month after an Arizona traffic stop led to the discovery of drugs and alcohol in a vehicle carrying three children, according to local authorities.
The incident unfolded on April 3 along Interstate 40, where a deputy from the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office initiated a stop after reportedly observing erratic driving behavior, including swerving. Investigators later determined the driver had allegedly been attempting to conceal an open beer can beneath a child’s seat, which they say contributed to the unsafe driving.
Inside the vehicle were three children, ages 4, 11, and 12.
During the stop, a K-9 unit signaled the presence of narcotics. A subsequent search uncovered a small quantity of methamphetamine hidden inside a cigarette pack wrapped in a dollar bill. Officials confirmed the substance tested positive for the drug.
Further checks revealed the woman was also wanted on a nationwide extradition warrant out of Florida.
She now faces a range of charges, including driving under the influence, possession of narcotics and drug paraphernalia, operating a vehicle with a suspended license, and multiple counts of both child endangerment and child abuse.
Child welfare officials responded to the scene, and the three minors were placed under the care of a family member. Authorities have not publicly identified the woman in order to protect the children’s privacy.
