The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office joined 250 law enforcement agencies across the nation in partnering with Mothers Against Drunk Driving for “Saturation Saturday,” a campaign that included enhanced DUI enforcement by law enforcement. During the campaign, the Sheriff’s Office made nine DUI arrests, including the arrest of an intoxicated couple who were attempting to drive home with their one-year-old child in the vehicle.
On August 24, 2019, at approximately 4:51 a.m., Deputy Philippsen responded to a domestic disturbance in the area of the 400 Block of Merlin Way. A witness observed a male subject and a female subject involved in a physical altercation. Afterwards, they both entered a vehicle with a child inside. Upon arrival, the deputy located the suspect vehicle running in the middle of the parking lot. The male subject was in the driver’s seat and a female subject was standing a short distance from the vehicle. They were involved in a verbal altercation. When the deputy approached, the vehicle began moving forward, prompting the deputy to tell him to stop.
The male subject was identified as 31 year old Mario Castro of Spotsylvania. The deputy learned he was driving DUI revoked. He also detected the strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from the suspect’s person. In addition, the suspect’s eyes were bloodshot and glassy, and his speech was slurred. The deputy also observed a one-year-old child asleep in a car seat in the back of the vehicle. An open alcoholic beverage container was found below the car seat and another was located in a cup holder.
The suspect was taken into custody and a search warrant for blood was executed. He was incarcerated at Rappahannock Regional Jail on charges of felony child endangerment, DUI on a restricted license, aggravated DUI with a child, and open container.
In the meantime, Deputy Simpson made contact with the female subject who was identified as 27 year old Rachal Castro of Spotsylvania. She smelled strongly of an alcoholic beverage and her eyes were bloodshot and glassy. The deputy also observed that her speech was slurred and she was unsteady on her feet. She told the deputy they were both intoxicated and were trying to drive home. She was taken into custody for felony child endangerment and public intoxication. A family member arrived on scene to take custody of the child. The suspect was incarcerated at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.
