Coffee-Fueled Road Rage Leads To DUI Arrest In St. Mary’s County

CALIFORNIA, Md. — What began as a report of aggressive driving in a Starbucks parking lot on New Year’s Day escalated into an arrest involving alleged intoxication, disorderly conduct, and an attempted escape, according to Maryland State Police. Authorities say a 61-year-old Chevy Chase woman now faces multiple charges following the January incident in St. Mary’s County.

According to charging documents, police responded on Jan. 1, 2025, to the Starbucks parking lot in California, Maryland, for a reported road rage incident. Upon arrival, police say they were flagged down by several individuals who reported that a woman had been driving erratically and appeared possibly intoxicated.

Police made contact with the driver, who identified herself as Kimberly Vanessa Higgs, 61, of Chevy Chase, Maryland. They reported observing Higgs swaying while standing, slurring her speech, exhibiting glossy eyes, and avoiding direct responses to officers’ questions. Police also noted a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from her breath. When asked whether she had consumed alcohol, Higgs allegedly denied drinking.

According to police reports, the front tire of the vehicle Higgs was operating showed heavy damage. Troopers offered Higgs the opportunity to perform standardized field sobriety tests, which she reportedly declined in an aggressive manner. 

She was subsequently placed under arrest. While seated in the patrol vehicle, Higgs allegedly kicked the dashboard and windshield and spit inside the patrol car. Police further allege that she unbuckled her seatbelt, opened the patrol car door, and began yelling at officers. Troopers placed her back into the vehicle and transported her to the Leonardtown barrack.

According to police, Higgs was advised of her rights using a Maryland DR-15 form and agreed to submit to a breath test. Police state the intoximeter registered a blood alcohol concentration of 0.20, more than twice Maryland’s legal limit of 0.08. Higgs was then transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center.

Higgs was charged with obstructing and hindering, escape in the second degree, and disorderly conduct. She was released on her own recognizance on a $0 bond. Court records indicate a trial date is scheduled for Feb. 17, 2025.

Under Maryland law, second-degree escape is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 10 years of incarceration. Obstructing and hindering may carry penalties of up to 60 days in jail and/or a $500 fine, and disorderly conduct may result in up to 60 days of incarceration and a $500 fine upon conviction.

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