44-year-old Carrie Brannock picked up an unidentified individual involved in a property damage-vehicle crash on I-24 West on the afternoon of February 26th. When officers arrived, they observed a white vehicle in the wood line near another car that was on fire and were informed that one of the drivers had left the scene on foot, wearing dark clothing. Officers began to search for the driver when they noticed a dark gray four-door Honda parked on the eastbound right shoulder of I-24. The Honda was occupied by a white, heavy-set female with dark hair, later identified as Brannock, in the driver’s seat and a male wearing a black hoodie in the back seat. Officers attempted to slow traffic down to approach the vehicle, but the Honda drove off. After NFD extinguished the vehicle fire, detectives ran the VIN, which returned to a gold Ford Explorer registered to Brannock. When officers called to inform Brannock about her car being in a crash, they reported that she seemed unphased. Brannock told officers her vehicle had broken down around 11 a.m. and that she abandoned it “on I-24 somewhere.” Officers asked Brannock to meet them at the Shell Gas station on Exit 11 to give her the information she needed for the crash report. Brannock arrived at the location driving the gray Honda that left the scene earlier. Brannock also matched the driver’s description and was wearing a black Hoodie. Officers then noticed a strong odor of marijuana as Brannock exited her vehicle for questioning. When Brannock was asked about picking up the other driver from the scene, she started licking her lips and twirling her thumbs, saying she did not. Due to the marijuana stench, there was probable cause for officers to search Brannock’s vehicle. Officers then located muddy footprints on the left rear passenger side floorboard, twigs, and mud behind the driver’s seat. Officers asked Brannock again if she had picked the person up from the crash, and she responded that she had no clue. Brannock was taken into custody for false report.
Carrie Brannock lies to police after picking up person involved in car crash
