According to a police reported obtained by Channel 2’s Mike Petchenik, the officer noted a strong smell of alcohol coming from the car. The report said Ferguson refused to submit to a breathalyzer test and failed a field sobriety check. The report said Fergusons 3-year-old grandson was in the back of the car.
It’s bad enough this woman takes her own life at risk when driving under the influence, but to be transporting a child kind of aggravates the circumstance, Captain Shawn McCarty of the Milton Police Department said.
Petchenik tracked Ferguson to her Alpharetta home and questioned her about the arrest.
Ferguson admitted that she drank some beer before getting behind the wheel to drive to Woodstock, Ga. to visit her brother, but she denied that she was drunk.
Ferguson faces misdemeanor DUI and child endangerment charges. Police tell Petchenik she’ll have a hearing next month to determine whether she can keep her driver’s license.
I’m very embarrassed about it, she told Petchenik. I’m very remorseful for it. I wish I hadn’t done it, but people make mistakes.
Ferguson told Petchenik she believes it’s common for parents and caregivers to have a few drinks, then to drive with kids in the car.
I’m not justifying it, she said, but I shouldn’t be crucified for it either.
