Mother Jailed For Alleged DUI Crash With 5 Kids In Car
DAVIE (CBS4) - A Davie mother faces DUI and child neglect charges after police say she drove drunk with 5 kids piled in the backseat of a car and crashed.
Summer Christlieb, 33, told police "she was coming from her son's birthday party and had been drinking a little wine."
Davie Police were dispatched to the accident scene in the 7600 block of Griffin Road on Wednesday around 10:30 pm.
According to a police report, "the children were sitting on top of each other in order to squeeze in the back." There were only three seat belts in the back seat. No one suffered serious injuries and Christlieb refused treatment.
Police say Christlieb told officers, "she was just taking the children for a short drive and thought it would be fine."
A Davie police officer wrote in the arrest report that he could smell alcohol on Christlieb, she had glassy, bloodshot eyes and was swaying. After an officer gave her a field sobriety test, he arrested Christlieb for DUI. She refused to take a breath test, according to the report.
The 5 kids in the car -- two of Christlieb's and three nieces and nephews -- were released to Christlieb's husband.
The Department of Children and Families released a statement on the case on Friday evening:
"The Department has no prior history with this family. At this time the children are with paternal grandparents and we are not currently seeking a shelter petition. We continue to work with law enforcement on the investigation and will determine based on that investigation the best course of action for this family with an emphasis on the children's safety and well-being."
Christlieb's neighbors said they were surprised by the arrest.
"That to me is outrageous," said Janet Acosta. "I would not risk the life of my kids like that."
Neighbor Diana Sarna said she often sees Christlieb playing with her kids. However, she said the allegations against Christlieb are difficult to accept.
"That's beyond a mistake," Saran said. "That's unforgivable."
A man at Christlieb's home refused to speak to the media. Christlieb is free on $5,500 bond. She is charged with five counts of child neglect without great bodily harm and DUI.
