We are Reagan Biondo and Addison Poplin. We are the wives of 2 CMPD officers who were struck head on by a drunk driver who never should have been behind the wheel. The driver has a documented history of reckless and impaired driving. Yet he was still free—free to drive, free to harm others, and now free again after nearly killing two officers. Our husbands were fortunate to survive and return home to the five children they share with their wives. But it could have been any innocent family. If my husband had not been trained to respond in a split 

second, the outcome might have been fatal. This is an urgent matter to anyone on the road.

The driver was reportedly able to post bond and walk free once again. There are many just like him driving as well. What kind of message does this send to repeat offenders? What does it say to law enforcement officers who risk their lives every day, only to see the system return dangerous individuals to the street? 

This is not just about one case. It is about a broken process. Habitual offenders are being given chance after chance, and each time the consequences grow more dangerous. Driving is a privilege, not a right. When someone repeatedly abuses that privilege, the law must respond with the full force necessary to protect public safety.

This moment calls for decisive legislative action. We are advocating for a change to how North Carolina defines and penalizes habitual impaired driving. If we revise the threshold from four DWIs to two within one year or three total, and implement enhanced penalties for cases that result in serious injury, we can prevent offenders like the one in this case causing further harm.