police: Dunbar woman drove high with children in vehicle
A Dunbar woman is accused of driving under the influence while four children in her vehicle were not in car seats nor were they wearing seatbelts, according to a criminal complaint filed Friday. State police reported that they pulled over Paige Tate, 32, after they saw her silver Chevrolet Suburban cross the centerline eight times while traveling south on Leisenring Vanderbilt Road in Vanderbilt on March 21 at around 2:30 a.m.
Troopers said there were four small children in the back seat, none of whom were in child safety seats. Police said the children were sitting or lying on top of seats that were folded down. The complaint did not specify the ages of the children nor whether they were related to Tate. Police alleged that Tate’s eyes were bloodshot and watery and her speech was slurred.
Tate allegedly stated that the children were not properly restrained because they were in a hurry. According to court paperwork, Tate admitted to recent use of cocaine and Suboxone. She was transported to a hospital for a blood test, and on April 23, a toxicology report reportedly confirmed the presence of cocaine, THC, and buprenorphine, a drug used to treat opioid withdrawal. Police allowed another adult who was allowed to take the children when Tate was taken to the hospital.
Tate was charged with driving under the influence, careless driving, and four counts of endangering the welfare of a child. She was also cited for improperly fastening children, reckless driving, and driving with a suspended license.Her preliminary hearing before District Judge Richard Kasunic II has not yet been scheduled.