A traffic accident in Galesburg on Tuesday led to the arrest of a 60-year-old woman after officers found a substance that field tested positive for heroin.
Katherine M. Santamaria made a video appearance in Knox County Circuit Court on Wednesday on felony charges of possession of a controlled substance and for driving under the influence of drugs.
According to a police report, officers responded to the corner of East Fremont Street and Florance Avenue for a two-car accident.
Once on scene, officers discovered that Santamaria appeared to be under the influence of drugs while speaking to her. She allegedly exhibited “‘thick tongued’ speech and motor skills.” She denied drinking or using illegal drugs and advised she was not on any prescription medications.
A witness told police that Santamaria had been observed driving in the left turn lane for a block prior to the accident.
A field sobriety test was conducted and following it she was arrested. At the Public Safety Building, Santamaria allegedly was observed to be “on the nod” which is a common symptom of heroin use, according to the police report.
A search of her purse led to the discovery of two hypodermic needles, as well as a light brown powdery substance in a plastic container, a metal spoon with burnt residue, and a belt. The contents of one of the hypodermic needles included a liquid that had blood in it. All of the unknown substances were field tested, rendering a positive result for heroin.
Judge Patricia A. Walton appointed the public defender to represent Santamaria and scheduled a bond rehearing for March 11th and a preliminary hearing for March 25th.
