Police were notified by a female witness who said a gray Ford station wagon hit the restaurant at 113 N. Dunn St., Bloomington Police Department Capt. Joe Qualters said.
The witness said the scene was hectic as people rushed over from People’s Park, which is across the street.
Four children, ages 6 years old, 4 years old, 2 years old and 5 months old, were riding in the car. Though there were two child safety seats and a child booster seat, none had been secured in the vehicle, and Houston was charged with failure to secure a child.
One girl, age 6, was bleeding from the mouth. She told officers that her head had hit the seat in front of her.
In the midst of all the commotion and before officers had arrived, Houston’s husband arrived at the scene. It was reported that the couple attempted to flee the scene down a nearby alley with the daughter.
Qualters said the crowd at the scene did not allow the woman to leave and helped “corral” all of the children.
After an officer arrived at the scene, he was directed to Houston, who was then leaning against a telephone pole.
Houston was reportedly slurring her speech and could barely keep her eyes open. The officer had to hold her arm to keep her standing. The officer did not see signs of alcohol, so he suspected drugs were involved. Upon searching the vehicle, he found a green metallic smoking device under the driver’s seat that he said smelled strongly of marijuana or spice.
The woman and the children were taken by ambulance to the hospital. Child Protective Services had been notified ahead of time by officers and met them at the hospital.
Houston, whose residence was listed as Middle Way House, received six total charges including failing to secure a child, driving while intoxicated, driving without insurance, possession of paraphernalia and attempting to leave the scene of the crime.
Annie Garau
