Driver Arrested For Child Abuse, DUI, Reckless Driving

A woman had three children in her SUV when she was arrested for reckless driving, DUI and three counts of child abuse Thursday evening in Neligh.

According to Antelope County Sheriff Bob Moore, multiple 911 calls began coming into dispatch just after 5 p.m. Thursday about a silver SUV driving at a high rate of speed and recklessly. Reports said the vehicle was seen on Highway 275 and Highway 14.

Moore said due to reports in multiple locations, law enforcement struggled to find the vehicle at first, but eventually intercepted the SUV on Highway 275 and stopped it on the east edge of town at Highway 275 and 525th Ave.

When stopped the SUV had smoke coming from under the hood, and the Neligh Fire Department was called. However, Moore said the smoke was later determined to be from an oil leak and not a fire.

There were no injuries to the driver or children. Moore said following an investigation, the 35-year-driver from Boyd County was arrested and transported to Antelope County Law Enforcement Center, where she remains in custody. Her three children were also transported to the center but later released into the custody of their father.

The driver, who has not been identified, is being charged with three counts of child abuse, a Class I misdemeanor; reckless driving, a Class III misdemeanor; and driving under the influence - first offense, a misdemeanor. ​