Deputy Billy Duke (right) was off duty when he stopped Karen Frances Kelly. Also pictured is Sergeant Nita Bowen with the Texas Highway Patrol.
Mixing Alcohol and Drugs, Driver Busted for DWI, LIVINGSTON, January 4, 2011 - Shortly before 5 pm on January 4, 2011, Deputy Billy Duke with the Polk County Sheriff's Office was off duty and south-bound on US-146 about 4 miles south of Livingston when he spotted a silver 2004 Chevy Malibu also south-bound. According to Duke, the driver was driving erratically, weaving, and ran a truck off the road. The driver of the vehicle, Karen Frances Kelly, 43, of Onalaska, pulled into the driveway of a residence on 146 (the home of Dwayne Vickery). Kelly was allegedly supposed to have pulled into Frank's Transmission on 146, but missed her turn and was trying to turn around. Deputy Duke pulled into the driveway blocking Kelly from exiting. Duke got out of his vehicle and informed Kelly that he was an off duty Deputy and ordered her to remain where she was. Duke had already phoned DPS and a Trooper was enroute. Minutes later Sergeant Nita Bowen with the Texas Highway Patrol Arrived. Sergeant Bowen spoke with Duke and Kelley. Kelly admitted to have having 2 magaritas prior to driving. Additionally, Kelly admitted that she had taken vicoden and soma. Sergeant Bowen called for Trooper Chris Stanbery who arrived and administered a field sobriety test. Kelly appeared to struggle with the test and was placed under arrest for driving while intoxicated. Additionally, Kelly had a cup from Burger King that was half full with Smirnoff Vodka which violates the open container law, and could also be cited for no insurance. A rollback wrecker from Fawbush Wrecker Service recovered Kelly's vehicle and it will be stored at Fawbush Body Shop in Goodrich. The scene was cleared shortly after 6 pm.
Trooper Chris Stanbery with the Texas Highway Patrol administers a field sobriety test on Karen Kelly of Onalaska.
This Burger King cup was filled up halfway with Smirnoff Vodka. Prescription pills were also found in the car.
Kelly had a hard time walking a straight line.
Stanbery placed Kelly under arrest for DWI.
Kelly was allegedly on her way to pick up her small children (in an intoxicated state and driving).
Legal problems, citations, car impounded and having to pay to get it out. DWI isn't worth the risk.
If you would like to comment on this story, we'd love to hear from you. Your name will be listed with your comment when it's posted in the Letters to the editor.
