MUSKEGON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A Muskegon Township woman was arraigned Wednesday for allegedly driving drunk while her 4-year-old was standing up in the backseat.
According to the Muskegon County Prosecutor D.J. Hilson, Maria Ripley, 27, traveled through several jurisdictions Monday before her Ford Focus got stuck in the snow.
While driving through the Fruitport Township area, witnesses called 911 to report that a child was standing up in the woman’s backseat.
Officials tell FOX 17 News, once they found Ripley, they were forced to pull her from the car because she would not cooperate. All the while, police said they found a bottle of McMaster’s Whiskey and prescription drugs inside the vehicle.
Ripley was charged with operating while intoxicated with an occupant less than 16 years old. She was also charged with failing to stop at the scene of a property damage accident.
Hilson said this isn’t the first time Ripley has been busted. Her first OWI occurred in 2002. She also has a history of probation violations, assaults and disorderly conduct.
“I would suspect that, we as an investigative agency, are looking into certainly making sure that the well-being of the child is still safe and secure,” Hilson said. “We’ll be examining a history of alcohol, drug abuse, and certainly take family court action if necessary.”
