8 Children Found Unrestrained In Van Driven By Suspected Impaired Driver

JOHNSTON COUNTY – A Wake County man is facing multiple charges, including eight counts of misdemeanor child abuse, after a state trooper stopped a van reportedly being driven erratically and discovered eight children sleeping unrestrained on a mattress inside the vehicle.

The incident occurred November 7, around 11:37 p.m. on Cleveland Road near Wellons Road, outside Smithfield.

According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, a trooper observed a white 1996 Dodge Ram Wagon van being driven recklessly and repeatedly crossing the double yellow centerline. The trooper conducted a traffic stop on Cleveland Road.

During the traffic stop, the trooper suspected the driver, identified as Edwin Ronald Hernandez-Ulloa, 39, of Raleigh, was impaired.

Troopers discovered several children asleep on a mattress in the rear passenger area. None were restrained.

Further investigation revealed eight children, ranging in age from 4 to 16, were riding in the van, along with two adult women and another adult man.

Troopers were told the occupants were returning home from a gathering with friends.

Hernandez Ulloa was arrested and charged with driving while impaired, driving without an operator’s license, failure to maintain lane control and reckless driving.

He was also charged with eight counts of misdemeanor child abuse and eight counts of child restraint and seat belt violations.

According to the Highway Patrol, Hernandez-Ulloa registered a blood alcohol concentration of 0.18 during the investigation, more than twice North Carolina’s legal limit of 0.08.

Hernandez-Ulloa was held under a $6,000 secured bond.