Woman accused of driving intoxicated with child in vehicle

ELKHART, Ind. – A woman was arrested after she was found driving while intoxicated with a child in the vehicle, the Elkhart Police Department reported.

At 12:03 a.m. on Friday, an officer on patrol was driving south in the 800 block of Benham Avenue when he saw a silver Chevy Equinox drive north through the intersection with Dr. King Drive with no headlights or taillights on.

The officer initiated a traffic stop near the intersection of W. Marion Street and S. 2nd Street.

The officer saw a driver and a juvenile in the backseat.

Based on experience and training, the officer suspected the driver was impaired.

After investigating further, the driver was handcuffed and taken to the officer’s patrol vehicle.

The driver initially gave the officer the wrong name, reports said.

In the driver’s belongings, the officer found a fake Indiana Identification Card.

The driver, identified as 33-year-old Sylvia Morales of Elkhart, was arrested and taken to the Elkhart County Jail where she was booked on the following charges:

• Operating a vehicle while intoxicated passenger under age 18
• False identity statement
• Operating a vehicle without ever receiving a license