Drunk mom crashes into cars while child inside, Florida troopers say

SEFFNER -- Troopers say a Citrus County mother was drunk Tuesday when she crashed into several vehicles on Interstate 4 while her 2-year-old son was inside the car.

The Florida Highway Patrol arrested Brianna Dee Knox, 28, of Beverly Hills on charges including driving under the influence, child neglect, leaving the scene of a crash and battery on a law enforcement officer.

Knox drove recklessly and crashed into four cars on I-4 about 5 p.m. Tuesday, the FHP said. Knox's red 2001 Honda broke down under an overpass, then she got out of the car and started acting "erratically and disturbed," the FHP said.

Knox removed the child from the car and allowed him to wander toward traffic while she urinated on the road's shoulder, according to the FHP. Knox would not tell troopers who the child was.

Troopers David Flores and Alain Hernandez arrived and attempted to arrest Knox, but she resisted, they said.

Hernandez attempted to handcuff her but she struggled and both fell to the ground, the FHP said. She kicked one of the troopers in the chest and hand while they handcuffed her, the troopers said.

A child protection officer with the Hillsborough Sheriff's Office took the 2-year-old boy, and the office is conducting an investigation. The Florida Department of Children and Families was notified. A spokesman said the agency had no prior incidents involving Knox or her child.

Knox is being held at the Hills­borough County jail on $15,000 bail.

Contact Jonathan Capriel

at jcapriel@tampabay.com.

Follow @jonathancapriel.