With Kids in Vehicle, Alleged Drunk Mom Nearly Hits Cop Car

A Pennsylvania woman traveling with another adult and two 6-year-old children was arrested Saturday for allegedly driving while intoxicated after she nearly struck a police vehicle, Chatham Borough police said Wednesday.

Patrolman Michael Permison was on patrol on Main Street Saturday at about 2 a.m., when an approaching vehicle crossed into his lane and almost struck his vehicle head-on, according to a statement released by the police department.

Police said that Permison stopped the car near Tallmadge Avenue and identified the driver as Heather Conklin, 30, of Dingmans Ferry, Pa. Conklin was traveling with another adult and two unrestrained 6-year-old children, according to the statement from police.

Police said one of the children was Conklin's daughter; the other was her companion's son.

Conklin allegedly showed signs of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and a field sobriety test was conducted, police said.

Patrolman Daryle Kelly was also on the scene and assisted in the investigation, police said. Police said that during an investigation at the scene, a hypodermic syringe was observed in the vehicle.

Police said they determined that the other adult in the car was also intoxicated and would be unable to properly care for the children.

Ultimately, arrangements were made with respective family members to take custody of the children, according to the statement.

According to the statement, Conklin was placed under arrest for driving while intoxicated, reckless driving, failure to keep right, failure to use child restraints, two counts of endangering the welfare of a child and possession of a hypodermic syringe.

Conklin's bail was set at $50,000, police said. According to the statement, she was lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility because she could not post bail.

Conklin was for driving 77 miles per hour in a 50-mile-per-hour zone near the intersection of Route 10 East and Harrison Road .