Paragould Woman Arrested for Fifth DWI, Children Found in Vehicle

PARAGOULD, Ark. — A Paragould woman was arrested Wednesday after police said she was found intoxicated behind the wheel with two young children in her vehicle — marking her fifth DWI arrest in the last decade.

On April 23, a Paragould Police Department officer responded to Dodge’s Store, located at 601 W. Kingshighway, for a report of a possible intoxicated driver. Upon arrival, the officer said he observed the suspect, identified as Desirea Branch, 33, sitting in the driver’s seat with the ignition turned on.

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According to the report, the officer noticed the smell of intoxicants coming from the vehicle and observed two children, ages 5 and 7, in the back seat. The officer noted that Branch had bloodshot, watery eyes, slurred speech and a strong odor of alcohol on her person.

When asked to perform Standard Field Sobriety Tests or submit to a portable breath test, Branch refused both, prompting the officer to place her under arrest.

During the arrest, police said Branch became combative, pulling away and yelling profanities. Additional officers were called to assist in taking her into custody.

Authorities later discovered that Branch had been convicted of her fourth DWI in 2023, making this the fifth DWI arrest on her record within the last 10 years.

Branch faces a litany of charges, including two counts of First-Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Minor, Class D felonies; DWI, 5th Offense in 10 Years; Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Revoked License, a misdemeanor; Ignition Interlock Device, a misdemeanor; refusal to submit to arrest, a Class B misdemeanor; Disorderly conduct, a Class C misdemeanor; and Child Safety Seat Penalty, a misdemeanor;

A mugshot of the defendant was not available as of this report.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.