A St. Louis mother is facing multiple felony charges after a chaotic car crash turned into a shocking case of child endangerment.
Courtney R. Brown was arrested after allegedly fleeing the scene of a crash on Interstate 270 East near Missouri 367 on Monday, May 12. But what stunned authorities wasn’t just the crash itself—it was who she left behind in the vehicle: her two young children, aged 3 and 8, both unrestrained and seriously injured.
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According to reports from KSDK and FOX 2 Now, Brown had stopped her car in the middle of the highway, prompting another driver to swerve in an attempt to avoid her vehicle. That car sideswiped hers. As traffic continued, a second and third vehicle struck Brown’s car again, pushing it along the roadway.
When one of the drivers approached to check on Brown, they discovered the children inside, unbelted. By that point, Brown had already exited the vehicle and walked more than a mile from the scene.
Missouri State Highway Patrol eventually found her, noting signs of impairment: watery, bloodshot eyes, slow movements, slurred and confused speech, and a relaxed demeanor. Toxicology reports later confirmed cannabis and amphetamines in her system.
Both children were hospitalized with serious injuries and had to be placed on intubation for treatment.
Brown now faces a slew of criminal charges:
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2 counts of DWI resulting in serious physical injury
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2 counts of endangering the welfare of a child
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3 felony counts of leaving the scene of an accident
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1 misdemeanor for operating a vehicle without a valid license
“This was not just reckless—it was criminal negligence at the highest level,” said St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Melissa Price Smith.
The children remain in recovery. Authorities have not disclosed their current conditions.
