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U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Major Arrested for DUI, Injuring Two Teens in Virginia

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Bijay Laxmi
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Sgt. Maj. Beth Ellen Abbott, charged with DUI, after seriously injuring two teenagers in a car accident<br>Image Credit: Facebook/notinregz
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Sgt. Maj. Beth Ellen Abbott, a high-ranking enlisted personnel of the United States Marine Corps, was taken into custody following an incident in which she allegedly caused serious injuries to two teenagers in Virginia. The arrest came after Abbott admitted to consuming alcohol before getting behind the wheel, leading to her being charged with driving under the influence, as reported by Military.com.

Accident and Arrest

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The Stafford County Sheriff's Office identified Abbott as the driver involved in the collision that occurred on May 31 in Aquia Harbour, near Marine Corps Base Quantico, located approximately 50 miles south of Washington, DC. At around 9 p.m., authorities received reports of two 14-year-olds being struck by a car. Upon arriving at the scene, police noticed that Abbott had glassy, bloodshot eyes and detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage on her breath. Furthermore, she openly admitted to consuming alcohol before driving, according to a press release issued by the police.
The two teenagers who were hit by the car were airlifted to a nearby hospital in serious condition. However, it is anticipated that they will make a full recovery. The incident has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of pedestrians and the consequences of driving under the influence.
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Relief of Duties

Abbott, who held the position of sergeant major at the Marine Corps Basic School in Quantico, Virginia, which serves as a training institution for new Marine officers, has been relieved of her title following the accident, Military.com reported. The Marine Corps acted promptly in response to the incident and is committed to cooperating with local authorities during the ongoing investigation.
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Having enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2003, Abbott, originally from Michigan, has a decorated military background. She has served in multiple combat deployments, including Iraq and Afghanistan, and received the Purple Heart and two Combat Action Ribbons for her bravery and service. Abbott's biography, which was previously available online but has since been removed, highlighted her role as the battalion sergeant major of the Combat Instructor Battalion.

Marine Corps' Response

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Maj. Danielle Phillips, a Training and Education Command spokeswoman, acknowledged the charges against Sgt. Maj. Abbott and confirmed her removal from duty. The Marine Corps, while acknowledging the seriousness of the incident, expressed its commitment to supporting the ongoing investigation and working closely with the local authorities. The incident highlights the importance of personal responsibility, adherence to military values, and the consequences associated with driving under the influence. The arrest of Sgt. Maj. Beth Ellen Abbott, a respected and highly ranked member of the U.S. Marine Corps, on charges of driving under the influence and causing harm to two teenagers, has sparked concerns within the military community.
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