Alleged wrong-way driver, arrested on Christmas Eve morning, now facing felony charge

MILWAUKEE COUNTY -- Criminal charges have been filed against 31-year-old Carmen Mitchell of Milwaukee -- accused of driving the wrong way on US 45 on Christmas Eve morning.

Mitchell faces one felony count of second degree recklessly endangering safety, along with traffic forfeitures.

Carmen Mitchell



It was around 2:15 a.m. on Thursday, December 24th when deputies responded to 911 calls regarding a wrong-way driver traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of US-45 from Appleton Avenue.

A deputy and Wisconsin State Patrol trooper were able to stop the vehicle at Mayfair Road.

The total distance traveled was about 5.5 miles, according to sheriff's officials.

Mitchell, who was driving the vehicle, told officials she had consumed one-and-a-half drinks at a friend's home.

She refused to submit to a preliminary breath test, and was taken to Froedtert Hospital for a blood draw.

A search warrant for that blood draw was obtained from a judge after the woman also refused the blood draw.

Mitchell has a preliminary hearing scheduled for January 5th.