The biggest shopping day of the year took a dark turn in Champaign, Illinois, when police officers encountered a woman suspected of driving under the influence with her young son in the car. The incident, captured on police bodycam footage, has sent shockwaves through the community.
The video begins with Officer Snow from the University Police Department pulling over a vehicle for erratic driving. “The reason for the stop today is you’re not maintaining your lane properly,” Officer Snow informs the driver. “You’re kind of in and out of your lane while I was behind you. There and a couple of other people have also called on you saying that you were exhibiting some possible DUI driving behavior.”
Police officer talking to a woman in a car
The driver, later identified as 38-year-old Lindsay Green, admits to having dropped off some of her children but still has her 8-year-old son in the backseat. When questioned about alcohol consumption, Green confesses to having “cider” earlier in the day, around 10:00 am. She describes the drink as possibly containing champagne.
Concerned by her admission and the previous reports of erratic driving, Officer Snow asks Green to step out of the vehicle to perform field sobriety tests. Green initially complies but exhibits difficulty with balance and coordination.
Police officer talking to a woman near her car
Despite claiming a prior knee injury, Green attempts a walking test but struggles to follow instructions, further raising the officer’s suspicions. When asked how many drinks she consumed, Green admits to having two.
Based on her performance on the field sobriety tests and her own admission, Officer Snow determines that Green is under the influence and places her under arrest for DUI. Green becomes increasingly distraught, expressing concern for her son. “What’s going to happen to my son?” she pleads with the officer.
A police officer putting handcuffs on a woman
While officers make arrangements for the child’s care, Green makes a disturbing statement, claiming, “I don’t care what happens to me, [the father will] kill you if you want. He’s going to hurt him. He’s hurt [inaudible] and [inaudible] ending.”
At the police station, Green’s demeanor remains uncooperative. She refuses to answer basic questions and requests a trash can, stating she needs to vomit. Despite the officer’s attempts to obtain her contact information, Green remains evasive.
When asked about her earlier claim that the child’s father might harm him, Green offers limited details, simply stating, “[The father] is a monster.”
A police officer asking questions to a woman sitting on a bench
The officer then attempts to administer a breathalyzer test, but Green refuses. She also declines to be transported to the hospital for a blood and urine test. In a surprising turn of events, the officer informs Green that her son has been released to the father, despite her previous warning. However, Green remains unfazed and continues to refuse the breathalyzer.
Frustrated by her lack of cooperation, the officer asks Green why she’s being unhelpful. “I don’t like cops,” she retorts.
Green’s uncooperative behavior continues as she is transported to jail. She refuses to answer medical questions or get out of the squad car.
Lindsay Green faces multiple charges, including aggravated DUI. Her case has raised serious concerns about the dangers of drunk driving, especially with children in the vehicle. Her court date is set for this summer.
