LAKELAND, Fla. — A woman in Polk County is facing DUI and child abuse charges after she caused a crash that left a 2-year-old girl with two broken legs, according to arrest records.
Laura Jackson, 35, was driving southbound on Combee Road at 11:55 p.m. on Sunday when deputies say she either attempted a left hand turn onto Tenoroc Mine Road and crossed into the path of another vehicle, or she swerved into the opposite lane of traffic.
According to the records, Jackson was driving without headlights on and had an unsecured 2-year-old in her vehicle at the time of the crash. The toddler suffered two broken femurs and bruises to her face, records say.
The arrest report says the toddler may suffer from a permanent disfigurement due to the crash.
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"The suspect reckless and negligent action of driving impaired and having a child unrestrained in the vehicle. The suspect's neglect of the child and her safety, caused the victim to suffer from great bodily harm and is believed to have a great alteration in her daily ability to function and may suffer from a permanent disfigurement."
Jackson, the toddler and the other driver were all taken to Lakeland Regional Health for treatment. Jackson and the other driver were treated and released.
Deputies at the scene noticed Jackson showing several signs of impairment, according to a crash report. At the hospital another deputy noted that Jackson staggered, slurred her words and smelled of alcohol when she spoke, according to records.
Jackson refused to take part in field sobriety tests and later refused to provide requested breath samples. According to records, breath samples were taken but the results have not been released.
Jackson was arrested and charged with DUI with serious bodily injury and negligent child abuse.
No other information was immediately available.
