Palm Coast, Florida – A 27-year-old woman is facing a series of felony and misdemeanor charges after deputies say she drove impaired with a toddler in the vehicle and later attempted to hide plastic-wrapped Xanax pills inside her body during jail intake. The incident has raised serious concerns for child safety and drug-related impairment on local roads.
Incident Overview
Deputies stopped Kaylie Poe, 27, on Nov. 29 after her vehicle allegedly drove through a red light at the intersection of Palm Coast Parkway and Interstate 95. The traffic maneuver immediately drew suspicion, prompting the responding Flagler County deputy to activate emergency lights and conduct a stop.
Once at the window, the deputy reported seeing two passengers in the vehicle, including a 2-year-old child. Authorities said Poe showed clear indications of impairment from the moment she interacted with law enforcement.
Behavior Noted by Deputies
According to the probable cause statement, the deputy noted slurred speech, watery and bloodshot eyes, delayed reactions, and difficulty with balance and divided attention. Poe was asked to step out and undergo standardized field sobriety exercises.
During testing, the deputy wrote that Poe displayed multiple signs of impairment, including five out of eight clues on one test and three out of four on another. A separate evaluation suggested six out of six indicators of horizontal gaze nystagmus, typically associated with drug or alcohol use.
Poe was then arrested on suspicion of DUI.
Test Results and Refusal
At the jail, the defendant agreed to take two breathalyzer tests, and both readings reportedly showed no alcohol present. When deputies requested a urine sample to test for other substances, she allegedly refused, resulting in an additional charge.
Xanax Pills Discovered During Intake
The situation escalated moments later during the booking process. When Poe was instructed to remove her socks, deputies say seven and a half yellow Xanax pills fell to the ground. A further search uncovered additional pills that had been concealed inside her body, wrapped in clear plastic.
Video footage from the rear prisoner compartment allegedly showed Poe adjusting her undergarments and placing an item into her genital area during transport.
Deputies say this resulted in more charges related to smuggling contraband, tampering with evidence, and possession with intent to sell.
Charges Filed
According to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, Poe now faces:
– Driving under the influence
– Refusal to submit to DUI testing
– Smuggling controlled substances
– Possession of controlled substances with intent to sell
– Tampering with evidence
She was booked into the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility on $9,000 bond, which she posted the following day. Her first court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 23.
Statement From Law Enforcement
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly strongly criticized the defendant’s actions in a public release.
“First, this woman did something incredibly dangerous and stupid by driving under the influence of drugs with a young toddler in the car. Then, on her way to the jail, she thought she would not get caught with Xanax trying to hide it in body cavities, but she got caught and now faces additional felony charges.”
Why This Case Matters
Incidents involving impaired driving with children in the vehicle carry heightened legal and public-safety concerns. Beyond the DUI accusation, deputies emphasize that attempts to smuggle contraband into a detention facility can bring severe penalties. Local officials say the case underscores ongoing issues related to prescription drug misuse and the risks posed to minors when adults drive under the influence.
Child Safety Concerns
Driving impaired with a toddler in the car places the child at significant risk of injury or death. Authorities regularly urge caregivers to understand that any level of impairment—whether from alcohol, prescription medications, or illegal drugs—can reduce reaction time and judgment, increasing the likelihood of a crash.
Next Steps in the Legal Process
Poe’s court date later this month will determine how the case proceeds. Charges involving controlled substances with intent to sell and smuggling into a detention facility typically carry heavier penalties than standard DUI offenses. The involvement of a minor may also play a role in sentencing if the case moves forward.
Conclusion
The arrest has drawn widespread attention in Flagler County due to the combination of alleged drug impairment, the presence of a young child, and the attempt to conceal contraband inside the jail. Officials say the situation could have ended far worse and are using the case as a reminder of the dangers of impaired driving.
Share your thoughts or experiences related to DUI safety and community drug issues in the comments below.
