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Police: Rhode Island woman drove drunk with 5 kids in minivan

LINCOLN, R.I. (WPRI) — Rhode Island State Police say a woman arrested Wednesday afternoon on drunk driving charges had five children – ages 7 months to 10 years old – inside her minivan.

Police said a Lincoln Woods State Park employee notified park police that a woman – identified as Leah Beatriz Duran, 41, of Woonsocket – was possibly drunk and preparing to leave the park in a minivan with five children inside.

State police said when officers confronted Duran, she “allegedly backed into one of the officer’s trucks in an attempt to flee.”

Troopers arrested Duran. They said breathalyzer tests showed her blood alcohol content was .279 and 2.77. The legal limit in Rhode Island is .08.

Duran was charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence of liquor or drugs, first offense, BAC .15 or greater with a child under the age of 13; and driving with a suspended/revoked/canceled license.

Police said she was also cited for operating a motor vehicle without evidence of insurance; reasonable and prudent speeds – failure to maintain; and license to be carried/exhibited on demand.

Troopers said Duran was released pending a July 24 court date.

Police turned over the children to relatives. They did not reveal the relationship between Duran and the children.