Portsmouth woman charged with DUI with children in car

PORTSMOUTH, R.I. (WLNE) — A woman was charged for allegedly driving under the influence with children in the car on Saturday.

The Portsmouth Police Department said 44-year-old Heather Joseph was arrested at 6:20 p.m. on Burma Road after failing to pull over for officers responding to an emergency.

Police said that, despite the activation of emergency lights and sirens, Joseph’s car did not slow down or pull over, even after officers changed the siren tones emanating from the cruiser.

Joseph ultimately pulled over after traveling about three-quarters of a mile, according to authorities, at which time officers approached and found her allegedly exhibiting signs of alcohol impairment.

Police said they found three passengers, in the car including a six-year-old and a nine-year-old.

Officers administered a variety of field sobriety tests and placed Joseph under arrest on suspicion of DUI.

She was later issued several citations after refusing to submit to a chemical breath test, per officials.

Joseph was charged with DUI with a child under 13 years old and will be arraigned in district court on June 6.