Special Education Teacher Arrested for DWI After Crashing at Over DOUBLE the Limit

Around 10:44 PM on June 1, 2023, Patrolman Harry Moore with the Magnolia Police Department responded to a report of a motor vehicle accident on White Horse Pike (US-30) near the intersection with Evesham Avenue (C.R. 544). He observed that a 2016 Kia Optima had struck a 2021 Toyota Highlander. The driver of the Kia Optima was identified as Alexa, and she claimed that she struck the vehicle in front of her after the light turned green. However, there was heavy front-end damage and the Kia was leaking fluids, so the officers believed that she was going at a much higher rate of speed at the time of impact.

Sergeant James Swan arrived on scene to assist shortly afterwards. As the officers were speaking with Alexa, they detected the odor of alcohol and observed other indicators of impairment. Alexa told the officers that she was coming from her friend’s house, and she admitted to drinking wine earlier that evening. Based on the officers’ suspicion of impairment, Alexa was asked to perform field sobriety exercises.

Patrolman Moore started with the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test. During the HGN test, Patrolman Moore observed the lack of smooth pursuit, distinct and sustained nystagmus at maximum deviation, and the onset of nystagmus prior to 45 degrees. The second exercise was the One Leg Stand. During the One Leg Stand test, Alexa failed to raise her foot in the proper fashion and put her foot down before the test was complete. The final test they attempted to administer was the Walk and Turn test, but it was terminated early for safety reasons.

Based on the motor vehicle crash, her admission to consuming alcohol, and her inability to satisfactorily complete the field sobriety exercises, Patrolman Moore placed Alexa under arrest for driving under the influence. Her vehicle was impounded for a 12-hour hold according to John’s Law. Patrolman Moore transported Alexa to the Magnolia Police Department for further processing.

Alexa was read the Standard Statement for Motor Vehicle Operators, and she agreed to submit breath samples. Her Alcotest results indicated a BAC level of 0.21%, which was more than double the legal limit of 0.08%. Alexa was eventually released to her husband pending her court appearance after he signed the Potential Liability Warning form on Alexa’s behalf. Patrolman Moore issued Alexa the following citations: Operating under the influence and careless driving

Court records indicate that on August 8, 2023, Alexa was found guilty of operating under the influence and careless driving. As a result of her convictions, she had to use an ignition interlock device for 3 months, spend 12 hours at an intoxicated driver resource center, and pay a total of $880 in fines.

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