Woman's record cleared after DMV error

LOCKPORT, N.Y. (WIVB) - A woman's license was suspended by the DMV for a drug or alcohol offense that never actually happened. News 4's Call 4 Action pushed Albany to take a closer look and it turns out they had the wrong driver.

Eula Shannon could not believe it when she opened her mail. The State Department of Motor Vehicles suspended her driver's license for six months, but the letter from the DMV only said, "due to an alcohol- or drug-related offense."

"They were saying my license was suspended, possibly alcohol or drugs, and I don't do any of that," said Shannon.

Officials at the Niagara County License Bureau took Shannon's license and she had to get a restricted license, at a cost of $87, which was upsetting and embarrassing.

Shannon says her friends saw the story on News 4. "I've had people come up to me, I've had people call me [to tell me they believe I'm innocent] and that meant a lot to me, for them to do that," she said.

And now, even the DMV also believes her. After she Called 4 Action, the pace of her record check in Albany picked up. Turns out, someone in the DMV records pipeline made a mistake by mis-keying the real offender's client number, and Shannon's license was suspended as a result. A spokesman for the DMV told News 4 the real culprit was in New York City and now Shannon's driving record has been wiped clean.

And even though Shannon won't get her new driver's license for weeks, the DMV is refunding the $87 she paid for the restricted license. And if she is stopped by police, her record is clean.

Due to our investigation, the real offender's license is now suspended. Shannon couldn't be happier.

She said, "Justice was done, and I am very happy. I am very happy that it is over, very happy."

Shannon is still driving with that restricted-use license in her purse, but is not worried about getting pulled over. She said she has never received a traffic ticket in her life.