In a late-night traffic stop gone awry, El Paso County deputies apprehended a young woman on charges of driving while intoxicated and child endangerment.
The incident unfolded early yesterday when deputies from the East Montana Patrol Station pulled over a black Mercedes on Rich Beem Boulevard for a simple traffic violation. The driver, identified as Ivana Dolores Salazar, 27, stated she had come from work, heading to pick up her newborn. However, a clear glass cup with a red liquid hinted at something more concerning, prompting an investigation into Salazar's sobriety.
Despite her initial claim of being alone in the vehicle, a subsequent search revealed a five-month-old baby improperly secured in the back seat. Confronted with this reality, Salazar's cooperation deteriorated, and she denied awareness of the child's presence in her car, according to El Paso County Sheriff Oscar Ugarte in a social media post.
Medical services were called to ensure the well-being of the child, who was later checked at The Hospitals of Providence East Campus. Thankfully, the baby was unharmed and was placed in the care of a responsible party, arranged by Child Protective Services. Salazar's evening culminated in her arrest and her placement behind bars, facing serious charges, including Driving While Intoxicated with a Passenger Under 15 Years of Age and Endangering a Child. The bond for her release was set at $23,000.
