A New Castle woman faces child endangering and DUI charges after police say her car plunged into the Shenango River while her son was in the back seat.

The charges against 43-year-old Charity Jackson stem from an incident the night of May 4the when another driver said Jackson’s car veered off the Columbus Interbelt and into the river.

The witness told police that she didn’t see Jackson hit the car’s brakes and that Jackson got out in and out of the car several times as if she was checking for something.

According to a police report, the car was partially submerged. However, a rock kept the car from sinking further into the river.

Police removed Jackson’s 11-year-old son who was in the back seat.  An officer and a firefighter helped Jackson to shore.

Both mother and son were taken to UPMC Jameson Hospital, where Jackson submitted to a blood test the results of which showed that her blood alcohol content was .11%.

In addition, the test revealed the presence of eight drugs including diazepam, cocaine, and fentanyl.

When questioned by police if she intentionally drove the car into the river, Jackson denied the claim, saying she was going through a lot in her life, including caring for her son who she said is autistic.

Jackson was arraigned Monday on charges of endangering the welfare of a child, careless driving, reckless driving, and two counts of driving under the influence.

As of Thursday Jackson remained jailed on a $2,000 bond awaiting another court hearing scheduled for June 21.