Andrews – A town employee was arrested last week after a roadside portable breath test allegedly revealed she had consumed alcohol before driving.
Natasha Danielle Whitaker, 35, was charged with driving while impaired following a traffic stop around 6:15 p.m. Friday. Whitaker is employed as the clerk for the Town of Andrews.
Authorities say a citizen called dispatch and reported a reckless driver traveling east on U.S. 19/74 and provided a description of the vehicle, which was equipped with a temporary tag. The vehicle then turned right onto Main Street, where it was spotted by an Andrews police officer who initiated a traffic stop.
After pulling into the parking lot at Monte Alban Mexican Restaurante, an officer spoke with the driver – identified as Whitaker – who allegedly admitted to drinking alcohol.
“She was cooperative,” Police Chief Joe Jones told the Cherokee Scout. “She did admit to alcohol usage, and the portable breath test gave a positive indication for alcohol.”
Whitaker was the only person in the vehicle. No open containers were found during the investigation.
Online records show that Whitaker’s driver’s license has been revoked for a minimum of 30 days. The court will determine whether it should be revoked for a longer period of time upon disposition of the case.
Whitaker is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday, Feb. 17.