Police: Elkhart mom behind bars for driving intoxicated with 3-year-old in car

ELKHART CO., Ind. -- An Elkhart mom is behind bars.

She is accused of driving drunk with her 3-year-old unrestrained in the front seat.

Officers said that on Monday morning 28-year-old Danielle Hammond crashed into a curb at the corner of State Road 19 and Roseland Drive in Elkhart.

The Elkhart County Sheriff's Office and medics were called to an intersection by a passing driver who saw Hammond's car crashed on the curb.

Police said Hammond was still in the car when they arrived on scene and Hammond was acting strangely.

She failed a field sobriety test and police found unspecified drug paraphernalia in her car.

Hammond was taken to Elkhart General Hospital where she was screened for drugs.

After completing her tests, Hammond tried to run from police in the hospital. That's when she was restrained and taken into custody.

Undersheriff Sean Holmes from the Elkhart County Sheriff's Office said there are few cases that surprise him, but this one is an exception.

"The technical aspects of somebody being intoxicated and impaired while driving, it surprises me that somebody would drive with their children in the car, let alone put themselves and others in danger on the road," said Holmes.

Right now, Hammond is detained at the Elkhart County Jail without bond.

Her probable cause hearing is expected to be scheduled for Tuesday.