Karni Metcalf, (Hall County Department of Corrections, Courtesy)
GRAND ISLAND — A Grand Island woman has been charged with driving under the influence and child abuse after the vehicle she was driving crashed into the Platte River.
Karni Metcalf, 28, has been charged with two counts of intentional child abuse – no injury, a Class 3A felony, driving under the influence – 0.8 blood, first offense, a Class W misdemeanor and two counts of transporting a child while intoxicated, Class 1 misdemeanor.
Metcalf filed bond in the amount of 10 percent of $5,000 on Feb. 4.
A preliminary hearing has been set for March 5 at 9:30 a.m.
According to an affidavit submitted in Hall County Court, deputies with the Hall County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the area of Highway 281 and Pine St. in Doniphan in reference to a vehicle traveling northbound in the southbound lane.
While deputies were enroute, it was reported that the same vehicle had driven into the Platte River just north of Interstate 80 between the northbound and southbound lanes.
Deputies on scene observed a 2013 Kia Optima in the river and the driver, later identified as Metcalf, was standing in the water by the vehicle.
The deputies rescued the two children from the vehicle.
During their investigation, it showed that obvious damage was sustained to the driver’s side of the vehicle which indicated that the vehicle was recklessly at a high rate of speed and struck a concrete retaining wall, which caused the vehicle to leave the roadway and enter the river.
Metcalf and the children were transported to CHI St. Francis Medical Center for treatment.
Deputies would contact Metcalf and noted the odor of alcohol coming from her person and her eyes were bloodshot and watery, according to the affidavit.
Metcalf would provide a failing breath sample, according to the affidavit.
She would then be booked into the Hall County Department of Corrections, after she was treated for her injuries sustained during the crash.