Gaston County DSS worker arrested for drunken driving

GASTON COUNTY, N.C.,None — Shelby Police arrested a Gaston County Department of Social Services worker for driving while intoxicated.

It's the second time in approximately a week Yvette Smithen, 42, has been behind bars.

According to the the Gaston Gazette, Smithen also had a boy under the age of five in the backseat when she was pulled over.

Neighbors said it's shocking to think a county worker who takes care of children could take these kinds of risks.

"I'm actually very surprised," neighbor Gina Cass said.

She said she never thought Smithen would have trouble with the law.

On Saturday, police pulled over Smithen on East Dixon Boulevard in Shelby for driving while intoxicated.

Cass said Smithen does have a young son but has always seemed responsible with him.

"She seemed like a really great mother," she said. "Seemed very protective."

Eyewitness News went to Smithen's house for comment but was told Smithen wasn't home.

Keith Moon, Director of the Gaston County Department of Social Services, said, the charge is "a serious allegation and that's all it is just for now."

On Oct. 2, Smithen was also arrested at her own home for resisting an officer during a party there.

Cass said Smithen's arrests made her worry about the safety of her own children.

"Something more serious could happen in the neighborhood," she said, "and that would be very sad."

Smithen bonded out of Cleveland County Jail. She is expected in court later this week.

WSOC