DUI Arrest Made after Daytona Beach Crash

On Thursday afternoon, the 33-year-old Kimberly Joyce was driving her car through Daytona Beach, close to the intersection of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Unfortunately, she was driving on the wrong side of the road. Her conduct was noticed by bystanders who phoned the police to alert them to the presence of the erratic driver. The police rushed to intercept Joyce, but unfortunately they did not make it in time to prevent her from becoming involved in a crash.

Although details of the accident itself are not well known, it seems from the initial report from the Daytona Beach Police Department that the crash included at least one other car. Other 9-1-1 calls were made at this time from witnesses to the crash. In this second round of calls, it becomes clear that Joyce was not alone in her vehicle. A very young child, unnamed at the time of this writing, was reported as being in the back seat of the vehicle during the crash. The Daytona Beach Police Department’s report indicates that, while the child did suffer from some head injuries as a result of the crash, they are believed to be minor and not life-threatening in any way. All occupants of the second car involved in the crash were also considered to be out of harm’s way.

Joyce herself suffered some injuries, although it was difficult for the first responders to fully diagnose her in the immediate aftermath of the accident due to her aggressive and combative response to any questioning. The report details how Joyce was removed from the vehicle without much incident, however as soon as she became subjected to routine questions from responding officers she began to yell racial slurs at the surprised bystanders. Joyce’s actions quickly drew a large and angry crowd while the police attempted to calm her.

Eventually, police were able to restrain her, but not calm her down. It was while she was waiting for the arrival of a female police officer who could search her that Joyce decided to urinate on herself, further complicating matters. The police wound up arresting Joyce for breach of peace and took her away from the scene. Because of her refusal to undergo any field sobriety or breathalyzer tests, Joyce was taken to the office of the Daytona Beach Police Department for a DUI investigation. At some point during the events, she admitted to having a drinking problem.

Joyce now finds herself facing DUI charges, DUI with property damage charges, child neglect charges, and charges of disorderly conduct.

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.