La Plata Woman Charged After Suspected DUI Crash With Children In Vehicle

LA PLATA, Md. — A La Plata woman is facing multiple charges after a suspected impaired driving crash that left two children in the vehicle and prompted a chaotic scene in a busy parking lot, according to court documents.

Deshan Andrea Mathis, 42, of La Plata, was arrested April 7, 2026, following a reported motor vehicle collision on Crain Highway.

According to charging documents, deputies were dispatched around 6:30 p.m. to the area of Crain Highway and Port Tobacco Road for a reported crash. The caller advised that the other driver appeared to be intoxicated and had struck their vehicle from behind while attempting to change lanes.

Investigators say Mathis continued driving after the collision and pulled into the parking lot of a nearby business, where she was confronted by the other driver. The witness reported that Mathis was stumbling, unable to maintain her balance, and exhibiting slurred speech with a strong odor of alcohol.

Officers arriving on scene observed similar signs of impairment, including bloodshot eyes and difficulty standing. Authorities also noted that two young children were inside the vehicle at the time.

According to the report, Mathis refused commands to exit the vehicle and had to be physically removed before being taken into custody. While being placed in a patrol vehicle, she allegedly began yelling and screaming loudly, drawing attention from nearby businesses.

Mathis was transported to the Charles County Detention Center for processing. The children were later released to their father.

She has been charged with multiple offenses, including second-degree assault, disorderly conduct, failure to obey a lawful order, and two counts of neglect of a minor.

Mathis was initially held without bond before being released on her own recognizance following a bail review hearing before Judge Patrick J. Devine.

A trial is set for May 26, 2026, in Charles County District Court.

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