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Driver Found Asleep Behind Wheel With Kids Charged With DUI In Norwalk

NORWALK, Conn. -- A driver in Norwalk was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs after being found sleeping behind the wheel on a highway off ramp with children in the vehicle, according to Connecticut State Police.

Crystal Burden received multiple charges after police said she fell asleep behind the wheel on an I-95 off ramp in Norwalk.

Crystal Burden received multiple charges after police said she fell asleep behind the wheel on an I-95 off ramp in Norwalk.

Photo Credit: Connecticut State Police

Police responded early Sunday morning at approximately 4:07 a.m. to the report of a hazardous disabled motor vehicle that was blocking the center lane of the I-95 southbound exit 14 ramp, according to police.

When police arrived, they observed Crystal Burden, 25, seated in the driver's seat, asleep behind the wheel, said police. Officers also observed two small children seated in the back seat, according to police.

Upon waking Burden up, she ignored several verbal commands from state police personnel to unlock the vehicle, said police.

Ultimately, one of the children in the back seat unlocked her door, which allowed the officers access to the vehicle to check on Burden and her children's well-being, according to police. 

Upon opening the front driver's side door, officers detected an extremely strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from within the vehicle and from Burden's breath, police said.

Burden refused to perform the field sobriety tests via her belligerent and irate conduct, and was subsequently placed under arrest, according to police. 

Burden was charged with two counts of risk of injury, driving while under the influence of alcohol/drugs, operating while under suspension, improper parking, and two counts of failure to secure a child, said police.

She is due in Norwalk Superior Court Feb. 19, according to police.

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