Woman wrecks car under the influence with two children on board

Marcella Harper, 50 of Meadow Bridge.

MEADOW BRIDGE, W.Va. — For the second time in a week, a Meadow Bridge woman has been arrested for DUI with children on board.

Fayette County 911 Center received a call of a vehicle accident along Meadow Bridge Road (Route 31) at around 5 Saturday afternoon. Once on scene, fire crews discovered two adults who appeared to be intoxicated.

Two children, 6 and 11, sustained scrapes and scratches and were transported to a local hospital as a precaution. The Fayette County Sheriff’s Department said Child Protective Services are working with the children.

Marcella Harper, 50 of Meadow Bridge, was arrested on charges of Aggravated DUI-Alcohol with an Unemancipated Minor in the Vehicle and a felony charge of Child Neglect Creating Risk of Serious Injury. Harper was transported to Southern Regional Jail after being released from an area hospital.

John Hancock, 56 of Meadow Bridge, was a passenger in the vehicle. He was transported to the hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. Fayette County Sheriff Mike Fridley said a warrant will be issued for him under a charge of Child Neglect Creating Risk of Serious Injury.

“Twice in three days this has happened in our county,” said Sheriff Fridley. “Peoples’ priorities need to change. If you have a substance abuse problem, at least don’t put your loved ones and everyone else at serious risk.”

The incident remains under investigation by Fayette County Deputy M.A. Sifers.