Southfield Mom Arraigned In Drunk Driving Crash That Critically Injured 2 Kids

DETROIT (WWJ) - A Southfield woman is jailed facing multiple charges after police say she drove drunk and crashed — critically injuring her two children.

Hope Ashley Brown, 30, was arraigned in 30th District Court Tuesday afternoon on one count each of operating a motor vehicle with a high BAC (blood alcohol content) causing serious injury, operating a motor vehicle while impaired, operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated with an occupant less than 14, reckless driving causing serious impairment of a bodily function, and operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated causing serious injury.

Police said Brown was driving under the influence of intoxicants with her two daughters, ages 7 and 6 and a 45-year-old man in her car when she crashed into an SUV at around 9 p.m. Sunday, at Hamilton and Grove Streets in Highland Park.

"The defendant was alleged to be intoxicated and uncooperative with the police when she was placed under arrest at the scene," according to prosecutors.

The children, who police said were not wearing seatbelts, were taken by EMS with critical injuries while the driver of the SUV suffered minor injuries.

Both girls had to have surgery but are going to be OK, according to Brown's sister, LaReisha Turner who spoke to reporters at the courthouse.

"I would just like all of the negative comments to stop, because you never know what was on her mind that night she had left," Turner said. "The kids are doing fine...I just believe that everyone deserves another chance."

The girls remain hospitalized; last reported in stable condition.

Police said Brown does have a previous drunk driving conviction.

WWJ's Vickie Thomas asked if Turner believes her sister has a drinking problem.

"Yes, she does have previous, but she, you know...she was trying to get her life together,"  Turner said.

Turner said Brown is a good mother who loves her kids.

A not guilty plea was entered Tuesday on Brown's behalf and bond was set at $75,000 cash or surety.

If she is released on bond, Judge Bridgette Officer ordered that Brown wear an alcohol-monitoring GPS tether and that she agrees not to drive.

Brown remains jailed later Tuesday.