A Ruskin woman is charged with driving under the influence after deputies say she caused a crash going the wrong-way with a toddler in her vehicle.
- Crystal Palacios, 31, arrested after causing crash going the wrong-way
- Toddler discovered in vehicle
- Palacio charged with DUI, additional charges pending
On Monday night, two Hillsborough County deputies were traveling northbound in the inside lane of 50th Street South in the area of Habersham Lane when they say a small sedan driving southbound in the northbound lane.
According to reports, they conducted an evasive maneuver to avoid a collision with the small sedan but ended up hitting a small blue pickup as a result. After checking on that driver, they made a U-turn and caught up to the small sedan as it was approaching the intersection of 50th Street South and Causeway Boulevard.
Deputies conducted a traffic stop. Upon making contact with the driver, 31-year-old Crystal Palacios, deputies say they observed several signs of impairment. Deputies also observed a toddler within the vehicle. Child Protection investigators responded and took custody of the child.
Palacios was subsequently arrested for DUI. Palacios has multiple suspensions to her Florida driver's license for prior DUI offenses, as well as several non-extraditable warrants from other jurisdictions. Additional charges are pending.