A 27-year-old woman is facing serious charges after allegedly driving under the influence with her infant in the back seat early Sunday morning, according to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPCSO).
Ivana Dolores Salazar was arrested on April 6, 2025, and charged with driving while intoxicated with a passenger under 15 years of age and child endangerment. Her total bond was set at $23,000, and she was booked into the El Paso County Jail.
According to an EPCSO press release, deputies initiated a traffic stop around 1:30 a.m. near the 3900 block of Rich Beem Boulevard after a black Mercedes reportedly failed to signal a lane change.
During the roadside interview, Salazar told deputies she had just gotten off work and was en route to pick up her newborn baby. However, deputies noticed a clear glass cup with an unknown red liquid inside the vehicle and began to suspect that she was intoxicated.
Initially, Salazar claimed no one else was in the car. But after she was arrested on suspicion of DWI, deputies searched the vehicle and discovered a 5-month-old baby in a rear-facing car seat that was not properly secured, according to the EPCSO.
When confronted with the presence of the child, Salazar reportedly denied knowing the baby was in the car and became uncooperative with deputies.
El Paso Fire Medical Services responded to the scene and transported the infant to a local hospital for medical evaluation. The child’s condition has not been disclosed. Child Protective Services (CPS) was also notified and released the baby to a responsible party.
Salazar now faces charges that could carry severe legal consequences if convicted, particularly as the case involves endangering the welfare of a child.
