A Key West woman is facing DUI and child-abuse charges after she almost struck a Monroe County Sheriff’s Office patrol car.
Chantel Merlene Hallenbeck, 43, was charged with DUI, driving with a suspended license and two counts child abuse without bodily harm.
Around 6:30 p.m., an MCSO deputy was driving on U.S. 1 when a vehicle entered the roadway near Mile Marker 21, almost striking his patrol car head on. After pulling over the vehicle, the driver identified herself as Hallenbeck and stated she did not have a valid driver’s license. A records check revealed that Hallenbeck’s license was suspended following a failure to pay a citation. Furthermore, it was discovered that she had a warrant out for her arrest for a failure to appear.
According to the report, deputies observed that the passenger had an open beer can in his lap, and a second open beer can was sitting in the cup holder of the car. Two children were seated in the rear of the car, and their mother was immediately called. The mother stated she had given Hallenbeck permission to take her children swimming earlier in the afternoon, and she also stated she was responsible for the vehicle Hallenbeck was driving. She allowed Hallenbeck to drive the vehicle because she was under the impression she had a valid license.
Meanwhile, deputies determined Hallenbeck appeared to be under the influence. She admitted to drinking a couple of beers earlier in the day, and agreed to participate in a field sobriety test. After failing two portions of the test, Hallenbeck reportedly grew frustrated and cursed at the deputy.
“Take me to jail,” said Hallenbeck several times, according to the report.
A relative of the children arrived on scene to pick them up, while Hallenbeck was taken to a DUI room. She ultimately refused to provide a sample.
Hallenbeck was transported to the Monroe County Detention Center, where she was being held as of Tuesday.
Information in the Crime Report is obtained from reports provided by area law enforcement agencies.
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