Drunk driving increases during the holiday season.
Woman Backs Into Patrol Unit With 5 Children in Her Vehicle, Arrested for DWI and Child Endangerment
According to a News4SanAntonio report, Sky Gomez was arrested on suspicion of DWI and child endangerment after backing her vehicle into a patrol unit early Sunday morning.¹
Police reported the incident occurred around 4:30 a.m. on Sunday, December 14th, in the 500 block of Riverside Drive on San Antonio’s South Side. Officers were responding to a disturbance call when they noticed the suspect’s vehicle in the area.
As officers attempted to make contact, they observed the vehicle’s brake lights activate. Despite police activating their lights and sirens, the driver continued reversing and struck the patrol unit.
Officers reported that the driver, identified as 30-year-old Sky Gomez, was erratic and uncooperative at the scene. She allegedly refused sobriety testing twice, had bloodshot eyes, and smelled of alcohol. Officers also discovered five children—ages 10 and under—inside the vehicle.
Gomez was arrested and charged with suspicion of DWI and child endangerment. The investigation is ongoing.
Did You Know?
16,317 accidents statewide last year were caused by a driver under the influence of alcohol, according to TxDOT data.²
What Happens When a DWI Accident Involves Children in Texas?
Driving while intoxicated is always dangerous, but when children are involved, the situation takes on an entirely different weight. Kids don’t get a say in who drives them, how fast they go, or whether that driver is sober. They trust the adults in their lives to protect them — and Texas law reflects that reality.
When officers encounter a suspected DWI with children in the vehicle, their focus extends beyond traffic safety. They are also evaluating whether the driver’s behavior placed the children in immediate danger, whether the driver ignored warnings or commands, and whether intervention is needed to protect those children moving forward.
Cases like this one are not treated as “routine” DWIs. They trigger heightened scrutiny because the potential for harm is so high, even if no one is physically injured.
DWI With Children in the Vehicle
In Texas, a driver can be charged with DWI with a Child Passenger if they are found to be intoxicated while transporting a child under the age of 15. This charge is a state jail felony, even if no crash occurs and no one is injured.
Penalties may include:
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Jail or prison time
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Significant fines
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Mandatory license suspension
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Court-ordered alcohol education or treatment programs
These charges exist to discourage impaired drivers from putting children at risk, even during short trips or low-speed situations.
Child Endangerment Charges
When police believe a driver’s behavior created a serious risk of harm to a child, they may also file child endangerment charges. This can apply when a driver is intoxicated, driving erratically, or ignoring police commands — as alleged in this case.
A conviction can have long-term consequences, including:
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A permanent criminal record
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Probation or incarceration
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Involvement from child protective services
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Loss of custody or restricted parental rights
Civil Liability If a Child Is Injured
Criminal charges address punishment, but they don’t always address the full scope of harm caused. If a child is injured in a DWI-related incident, a civil personal injury claim may also be possible.
These claims are typically brought on behalf of the child by a parent or guardian and can seek compensation for medical treatment, emotional trauma, and any long-term care needs. In severe cases, courts may also consider the psychological impact of the incident, especially when children witness traumatic events involving law enforcement or collisions.
If another vehicle, pedestrian, or officer is injured, the intoxicated driver may also face civil lawsuits from multiple parties.
Why These Cases Matter
It’s easy to dismiss incidents like this as “close calls.” But close calls involving children are warnings. They expose how quickly a situation can spiral, especially in the early morning hours, when reaction times are slower, and judgment is impaired.
Preventing these tragedies starts with simple choices:
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Never drive after drinking
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Plan a sober ride ahead of time
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Speak up if you see someone trying to drive impaired with children in the car
For parents, caregivers, and community members, these cases are reminders to speak up, plan ahead, and never assume a short drive or low speed makes intoxicated driving acceptable.
Did a Drunk Driver Injure Your Child? Call Shaw.
When impaired driving endangers a child, accountability matters. If your child was injured by a drunk or negligent driver anywhere in Texas, you may be entitled to compensation for things like:
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Medical expenses
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Pain and suffering
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Emotional trauma
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Long-term rehabilitation or counseling
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Ongoing care and therapy
- And More.
We’ll help you find out if you have a case for free.
📞 Call Shaw today at 800-862-1260 or use our live chat to schedule your free case evaluation with an experienced child injury lawyer in San Antonio.
No fees. No pressure. Just experienced legal guidance when your family needs it most.
We look forward to serving you.
²TxDOT Crash Contributing Factors