Failed Field Sobriety Testing Lands Driver With Charges

On May 1, 2014 at approximately 3:24 PM a Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Deputy was dispatched to the Food Lion located at 11007 Manklin Creek Road Berlin, Maryland for a hit and run accident.

The Deputy learned through investigation that the driver, Melissa Renner 24 years old from Berlin, Maryland. The witnesses told the Deputy that Renner was driving erratically and struck another unattended vehicle while parking. The Deputy noted that the damage was minor. 

While the Deputy was interviewing witnesses, Renner returned to the scene and admitted to driving the vehicle. The Deputy smelled the odor of an alcoholic beverage on Renner’s breath and person. Renner’s eyes were glassy and bloodshot. When the Deputy asked Renner for her license Renner handed the Deputy narcotic prescription pills from her pocket in which Renner did not have a prescription for. Renner admitted to drinking alcohol and the Deputy observed bottles of alcohol within the vehicle she was operating. 

Renner was asked to perform a series of field sobriety testing in which she performed unsatisfactorily. Renner was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, leaving the scene of an accident, and for possession of a controlled dangerous substance-not marijuana. Renner was taken before the District Court Commissioner and released pending trial.