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Police began their investigation when they pulled over a 2006 Hyundai Sonata traveling westbound on West Southern Avenue at Southgate Avenue because of expired tags, according to a police affidavit filed with the charges.
“(The officer) advised the occupants the reason for stopping them and asked each occupant for their identification cards,” the affidavit says. “Mr. Thomas advised he did not have a driver’s license. Ms. Conley handed (the officer) a state identification card. While reaching for her wallet, which was located in the glove compartment, (the officer) observed an opened bottle of an alcoholic beverage. It appeared to be a bottle of vodka and was more than half empty.”
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The officer went back to his cruiser and waited for backup, the affidavit said. When the backup arrived, they asked permission to search the vehicle, which Thomas gave, according to the affidavit.
“Upon search of the vehicle, (the officer) located two open containers of what appeared to be alcoholic beverages in the cup holder of the vehicle,” the report says.
Thomas agreed to participate in a field sobriety test and failed, the affidavit said. He was arrested, according to the affidavit.
The affidavit said the officer then spoke with Conley and asked her if she knew he had been drinking.
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“Ms. Conley advised she knew Mr. Thomas had been drinking and made no attempt to call 911 or family to take their children,” the report says. “(The officer) then placed Ms. Conley under arrest for child endangering. While speaking with Ms. Conley, (the officer) could detect the odor of an alcoholic beverage on her breath as well.”
At the station, officers conducted a breath test on Thomas and found that his blood-alcohol content was .167, more than twice the legal limit, according to the affidavit.
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