23-year-old Brea Charnae Williams rode as a passenger while Braenee Redden-Lee swerved over the center median on I-24 late April 13th. Then, Redden-Lee drifted, trying to return to her travel lane, but drove in both lanes. Officers observed this and initiated a traffic stop, where she was slow to respond and continued driving, disregarding their emergency equipment. Officers then shined their spotlight at the driver’s side mirror to get Redden-Lee to pull over to the right shoulder, which she did after approximately 1.5 miles. Officers approached the passenger side and observed Williams, Redden-Lee, and an unidentified female in the car, reeking of alcohol.
When they advised Redden-Lee why they stopped her and requested her driver’s credentials, she had a bracelet on her wrist like ones used at nightclubs to purchase alcoholic beverages. Officers discovered she had a suspended license and had her exit the vehicle for questioning. When officers asked if Redden-Lee would take sobriety tests, she said, “No.” Officers searched Redden-Lee and located a black handgun with a loaded magazine. She was detained and placed in the rear of the patrol vehicle.
Then, they asked Williams to exit the car, where she provided them with her identification and told them the vehicle was hers, stating, “Yes, I just bought it, and I am making $1000 payments a month.” She was then detained and placed into the patrol car. Officers searched the vehicle and found marijuana and mushrooms in a brown purse, which Redden-Lee claimed. Additionally, they found another package of marijuana in the center console, which Williams admitted was hers after being Mirandized. Williams was then taken into custody for simple possession and driving under the influence.
