COBB COUNTY, Ga. — Authorities have filed two counts of DUI child endangerment against former elementary school principal Jill Spiva following a January sideswipe collision in Cobb County.
The charges stem from a crash near Addison Elementary School, where police found a half-empty bottle of vodka behind the driver’s seat.
Officers initially did not recommend child endangerment charges because they were unaware young passengers were in the vehicle until days after the incident.
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The crash occurred when Spiva allegedly sideswiped a truck at a red light.
Rebecca Sumner, whose husband drove the truck, shared exclusive dash camera footage showing the collision with Channel 2 Cobb County Bureau Chief Michele Newell.
Sumner advocated for further investigation regarding young passengers in Spiva’s vehicle.
“We would like to see further charges in regards to the children that were in her vehicle,” Sumner said.
Following public reporting and footage provided by the victim’s family, authorities filed two counts of child endangerment and a DUI over .08 charge against Spiva.
“Two child endangerment and a DUI .08 charge was added so very satisfying to see,” Sumner said. “I truly believe sharing this story as you did made a huge impact and made this happen.”
Police originally stated they lacked evidence of young passengers when the crash occurred. Investigators stated they discovered children had been taken from the scene a day or two after the collision.
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When asked if law enforcement would have added the counts otherwise, Sumner expressed doubt.
“Do you think the charges would’ve been filed if we didn’t look into this? I do not believe they would’ve been added,” Sumner said.
The victim’s family provided video to the Solicitor General’s Office, but said officials initially told them the footage was difficult to interpret.
The Solicitor General’s Office stated it takes every case seriously but cannot comment on pending cases.
Despite early frustration with the handling of the case, Sumner expressed hope for Spiva’s future.
“I hope she gets the help she needs lets say that,” Sumner said.
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