Driver Fell Asleep During Whitemarsh DUI Stop, Police Say

Charges are pending against a Philadelphia woman who fell asleep behind the wheel of her vehicle after being pulled over for erratic driving, according to Whitemarsh Township Police.

A driver flagged down a Whitemarsh Township police officer around 2:30 a.m. on March 30 near 15 Ridge Pike to alert him that an allegedly reckless driver was headed eastbound on that road, police said. 

The officer caught up with the vehicle, which was allegedly swerving across lanes, and initiated a police stop, the officer said.

According to a police report, Tamika Diggins, 38, of Philadelphia, stopped in the left turn lane near Northwestern Avenue. As the officer approached the vehicle, it moved slowly away from the police car and then stopped. When the officer caught up to the vehicle, he found that Diggins was  sleeping behind the wheel, according to police.

After the officer tapped on the window, the vehicle began moving again until the officer yelled at Diggins to stop, according to the report.

Diggins was unable to find her insurance or registration forms, and failed multiple field sobriety tests, according to police.

Diggins was taken into custody, and a blood draw was taken at Mercy Suburban Hospital, according to police.

The officer said that an open bottle of alcohol was allegedly found in the driver’s grey Kia while it was being inventoried.