Page, AZ – A driver accused of being nearly four times over the legal alcohol limit was arrested Monday afternoon in Page after police discovered a 1-year-old child inside his vehicle during a traffic stop. Authorities say the man had been entrusted with babysitting the toddler while the child’s mother was at work.
Incident Overview
According to the Page Police Department, the incident unfolded around 3 p.m. Monday near the intersection of South Lake Powell Boulevard and Clubhouse Drive. An officer on patrol observed a vehicle traveling at 60 mph in a 40 mph zone, immediately drawing attention due to the excessive speed.
As the officer followed the vehicle, police said it was also weaving within its lane, raising further concerns about the driver’s ability to safely operate the car.
Traffic Stop and Signs of Intoxication
After initiating a traffic stop, the officer made contact with the driver and quickly noticed signs of what police described as “extreme alcohol intoxication.” Officers noted impaired behavior consistent with heavy alcohol consumption.
During the stop, police also determined that the driver was operating the vehicle with a suspended license, compounding the seriousness of the situation.
Toddler Found Inside the Vehicle
While continuing the investigation, the officer discovered a 1-year-old child inside the car. Authorities later learned that the driver had been assigned to babysit the toddler while the child’s mother was at work at the time of the incident.
Police say the presence of the child significantly escalated the situation, as impaired driving with a young passenger poses a severe and immediate safety risk.
Breath Test Results
The driver agreed to submit to a breathalyzer test, which revealed a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.293, according to Page police. The legal BAC limit in Arizona is 0.08, meaning the driver’s level was more than three times the legal threshold.
Officers subsequently obtained a blood sample from the driver for additional testing, which is standard procedure in aggravated DUI cases.
Child Returned to Mother
Police confirmed that the toddler was safely removed from the vehicle and returned to the child’s mother, who was still at work when the arrest occurred. No injuries to the child were reported.
The Department of Child Services (DCS) has opened an investigation to further assess the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether additional action is necessary to ensure the child’s safety.
Charges Filed
The driver was taken into custody and now faces multiple criminal charges, including aggravated DUI with a child in the vehicle and child endangerment. Additional charges related to impaired driving and operating a vehicle with a suspended license are also expected.
Police have not publicly identified the driver as of Tuesday.
Public Safety Concerns
Law enforcement officials say the case underscores the dangers of impaired driving—especially when children are involved. A BAC as high as 0.293 can severely impair reaction time, judgment, and motor coordination, dramatically increasing the likelihood of a crash.
Police emphasized that driving under the influence while responsible for a child places not only the driver at risk but also innocent passengers and others on the road.
Authorities are reminding the public to immediately report suspected impaired drivers by calling 911, particularly when erratic driving is observed. Early reporting can prevent potentially tragic outcomes, especially in cases involving children.
Police also urge parents and guardians to ensure that anyone entrusted with childcare responsibilities is sober, licensed, and capable of providing safe supervision at all times.
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