WHAT A HEEL: DUI Driver Switches Seats With Passenger
Nolga Kouang was arrested and charged under NY’s child passenger protection act (AKA Leandra’s Law) for DWI with her 9-year-old daughter and 1-year-old son in her Ford Explorer, The Tonawanda (NY) News reports:
Police initiated a traffic stop, but the Explorer continued for approximately 10 seconds before coasting and eventually stopping. The reporting officer noted he shined his spotlight into the driver’s side mirror, revealing a black female in the drivers’ seat as it came to a stop.
“When I exited my patrol vehicle, the Ford Explorer started to bounce from side to side,” the officer reported. When he arrived at the vehicle, “I observed a black male in the driver’s seat and the female driver was now in the passenger seat.” …
Kouang exhibited numerous signs of intoxication and failed field sobriety tests. She tested positive on an alco sensor.
Kouang refused to take a breathalyzer test several times and demanded a French interpreter to administer her Miranda rights, even though she is fluent in English, and an interpreter assisted via a three-way conference call.
Kouang faces two felony DWI charges under Leandra’s Law – one for each child – as well as driving too slowly and moving from a lane unsafely.
Comments