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Deputies: 2 children thrown from vehicle when Orlando woman crashes while under the influence

By James Tutten, WFTV.com

Children ejected from car while Orlando woman involved in DUI crashes, deputies say

By James Tutten, WFTV.com

POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Deputies in Polk County arrested a woman after several people, including two children, were hurt in a violent rollover crash.

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Deputies said Orlando resident Ashauntie Cox, 32, was involved in two crashes Friday while driving under the influence.

Witnesses told deputies Cox was involved in a hit-and-run crash around 8 p.m. on U.S. Highway 27 near Frostproof.

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After the crash, Cox allegedly sped off and crashed again as she was weaving in and out of traffic while speeding.

During the second crash, Cox’s car flipped several times and two Orlando children, ages 5 and 8, were ejected from the car, deputies said.

Officials said both children and another 27-year-old passenger in Cox’s car were seriously hurt in the crash.

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Deputies said they could smell marijuana and located a bottle of tequila in Cox’s vehicle.

Cox told deputies they were driving from Orlando to Avon Park to celebrate the 5-year-old’s kindergarten graduation.

Deputies said she admitted to smoking marijuana earlier in the day, and to having four shots of tequila.

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“This woman had no regard for anyone’s life when she got behind the wheel intoxicated and then drove recklessly down a major highway, but what’s worse is the blatant disregard she had for the lives of the innocent children in her car,” said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. “I expect a successful prosecution to hold her accountable-and let’s hope she loses her driving privileges if she’s released from jail or prison. Please keep these babies and their families in your prayers.”

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