Mother Arrested for Neglect and Driving While Impaired

GIBSON COUNTY, IN - Tuesday afternoon, June 8, at approximately 4:25 p.m., Indiana State Police and Oakland City Police responded to a single vehicle crash on C.R. 1300 East north of Oakland City near the Pike County line. 

When officers arrived they found a 2001 Mitsubishi had crashed into the ditch and the driver hiding across the roadway with her 10-year-old son.  The driver was identified as Brandy Benefiel, 34, of Petersburg.  During the investigation, officers were able to determine that Benefiel had consumed a large amount of alcohol throughout the day before driving off the roadway into the ditch. 

Further investigation revealed she had a blood alcohol content over the legal limit.  She was arrested and taken to the Gibson County Jail where she is currently being held on bond.  Benefiel's son was released to his father.

ARRESTED AND CHARGES:

• Brandy D. Benefiel, 34, 1707 W. Division Road, Petersburg, IN

1.       Neglect of a Dependant, Class D Felony

2.      Driving While Intoxicated with a Passenger under the age of 18, Class D Felony

3.      Driving While Intoxicated, Class A Misdemeanor

4.      Criminal Recklessness, Class A Misdemeanor

5.      Leaving the Scene of an Accident, Class C Misdemeanor

Arresting Officer: Trooper Wes Kuykendall, Indiana State Police

Assisting Officer: Lt. Tim Gaines, Oakland City Police