A Schuylkill County woman facing DUI charges allegedly told State Police “COVID, we got COVID” multiple times when questioned her about car insurance and vomit on her door following a traffic stop last month.
Karina Batista, 34, is charged with driving under the influence and summary traffic offenses after police say she was stopped with a blood alcohol concentration more than double the legal limit.
Police say the incident occurred early on Dec. 13. After stopping Batista’s vehicle, police say they asked her to produce proof of insurance. Batista allegedly handed the Trooper a paper and stated, “COVID, we got COVID,” but never provided a copy of the insurance.
Police say they also observed “recent saliva and throw up” on the exterior of the driver-side door. When asked if she had just thrown up, Batista once again said, “COVID, we got COVID.”
The investigation began at approximately 3:05 a.m. in Shenandoah Borough. A trooper patrolling East Centre Street observed a black Cadillac Escalade stopped at a steady green light. When police attempted to follow the vehicle, it allegedly began traveling at a high rate of speed. The affidavit states the trooper reached speeds over 80 mph while trying to catch the SUV before it eventually stopped on D Street in Mahanoy City.
Upon approaching the vehicle, police observed a male passenger climbing from the rear seat into the front passenger seat.
In addition to the statements regarding COVID, Batista allegedly told police she was speeding because she had to use the bathroom, informing troopers she had urinated on herself. Police observed she had bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and an odor of alcohol.
Batista was transported to Lehigh Valley Hospital for a blood draw. Lab results received on Dec. 17 indicated a blood alcohol content of .201 percent, well above the state’s legal limit of .08 percent.
Police also noted that Batista’s vehicle inspection was expired and she was unable to produce a physical driver’s license.
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