PUEBLO, Colo. — In a troubling case of child endangerment, a Pueblo woman was arrested Thursday after her own children accused her of reckless driving while taking them to school.
Chelsea Valenzuela, 36, was taken into custody by the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office on multiple child abuse charges following a disturbing report from her child. According to authorities, staff at a Pueblo County District 70 elementary school alerted a school resource officer after one of Valenzuela’s children reported the terrifying experience.
The child claimed their mother had been drinking the night before and again that morning before getting behind the wheel. As she drove her three children to school, she allegedly veered off the road twice and even drove into oncoming traffic, leaving the children in fear for their lives.
During the investigation, officers discovered that one of the children had visible injuries, which were reportedly inflicted by Valenzuela before the school drop-off. The child was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment.
Following further inquiries, Valenzuela was arrested and charged with one count of child abuse, as well as three counts of child abuse – knowingly and recklessly. She was booked into the Pueblo County Jail, while the children were placed in the custody of the Department of Human Services for their safety.
Authorities revealed that this is the fourth child abuse arrest made in Pueblo County in just two weeks, all involving reports from District 70 school staff.
“This disturbing trend highlights the importance of vigilance from educators and law enforcement,” said Pueblo County Sheriff David J. Lucero. “I commend our school staff and School Resource Officers for their commitment to protecting our children.”
Officials urge anyone who suspects child abuse to report it immediately by calling the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office at (719) 583-6250, Pueblo Police at (719) 553-2502, the Pueblo 24-Hour Reporting Line at (719) 583-6901, or the Colorado Abuse Reporting Line at 1-844-264-5437.
