Two women were arrested on May 13 following a domestic disturbance that escalated into several criminal charges on Highway 98 in Destin.
Authorities said the incident began around midnight when an Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office deputy saw a vehicle stopped in traffic near Airport Road and Highway 98 East, where two women were engaged in a verbal altercation. One of the women exited the vehicle and walked onto the sidewalk.
The driver, identified as Sonia Chaires, age 29, of Houston, then made a U-turn, drove onto the sidewalk, and attempted to strike the other woman with her vehicle before fleeing. Deputies stopped Chaires shortly after and conducted a roadside DUI investigation. They observed signs of impairment and found open containers of alcohol inside her Jeep. Chaires was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and driving under the influence.
During this investigation, deputies said Graciela Sanchez Granados, age 38—the victim—repeatedly refused lawful commands to stay away from the vehicle while it was being inventoried for towing. At one point she grabbed a deputy by the shoulder and tried to pull him away from the car. Granados was charged with battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting an officer without violence.
Both individuals were transported to Okaloosa County Jail in Crestview.
