Schuylkill County Woman Charged with DUI with Children in Vehicle

Police have filed charges against a Schuylkill County woman accused of driving under the influence of narcotics with two children in her vehicle.

According to court documents, on July 1, police in Shenandoah filed charges against Catherine Batista, 35, of Shenandoah, over an incident that occurred shortly before 1 a.m. on June 8.

Police say they noticed a white Lincoln traveling north on Route 924 toward the borough. The vehicle crossed the center line multiple times and went over the white fog line as well. As police observed the vehicle, it failed to maintain its lane.

The vehicle also would drive under the speed limit and then suddenly speed up as it approached Main St. At that point, police initiated a traffic stop. 

Inside the vehicle with Batista were two children, one buckled in the front passenger seat and another asleep in the back seat.

Police say Batista’s speech was slurred and she was unable to answer any questions. Questions had to be asked multiple times before Batista would answer.

Batista reportedly told police she was driving from a friend’s house in Mahanoy City. She said she last consumed alcohol two hours prior to leaving for Shenandoah.

Police say Batista did not do well with multiple sobriety tests and was taken into custody, believed to be under the influence of narcotics. A family member arrived to collect the children in the vehicle.

At the Shenandoah police station, Batista reportedly refused to submit to a blood test. She was released and transported to a family member’s house.

Batista has been charged with DUI, endangering the welfare of children, and driving without a license.

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