Driver faces DUI, child cruelty charges after crash in St. Johnsbury

ST. JOHNSBURY -- A local woman was arrested for driving under the influence and cruelty to a child after her vehicle nearly slid into a river on Tuesday afternoon. Vermont State Police responded to the incident at the intersection of Fenton Road and Depot Hill Road at 4:35 p.m. to find a 2016 Honda Odyssey off the road and descending an embankment.

The St. Johnsbury Fire Department, along with helpful bystanders, aided 31-year-old Megan Austin and two juveniles in exiting the vehicle before it could reach the river. Austin, a St.

Johnsbury resident, told troopers she lost control of her vehicle when trying to give way to another car. She veered too close to the shoulder, leading to the vehicle's slide on the snowy road. Upon investigation, troopers noted signs of impairment and discovered open alcohol containers inside the Odyssey.

Austin failed field sobriety tests and was arrested. She was processed at the St. Johnsbury Barracks and cited to appear in Caledonia County Superior Court on Jan.

8 at 8:30 a.m. No injuries were reported in the incident, and the vehicle sustained only superficial damage. The road conditions were snowy, but the weather was clear at the time of the crash.

The scene was managed with support from CALEX and local fire department personnel.

Austin was released to a sober adult following her arrest.