Former Jeffco deputy indicted in DUI crash that hurt 3, narrowly missed school bus

A former Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office deputy is facing serious legal consequences following an indictment related to a DUI crash that injured three people and nearly turned into a tragedy involving a school bus.

Charges and Legal Proceedings

Shamonte D. Lanfair, 34, has been charged with two counts of first-degree assault. Official indictments were issued on May 14 and were formally made public this past Tuesday. As reported by 205focus.com, Lanfair was initially arrested several weeks after the incident occurred.

The Incident Details

The wreck took place on Wednesday, Oct. 8, at 3:43 p.m. Court records indicate that Lanfair was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the collision. Although she was off duty, Lanfair was operating her sheriff’s department SUV—a 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe—at an intersection on Alabama 75. Witnesses noted that her vehicle narrowly avoided a school bus that had just cleared the intersection moments earlier.

The Collision and Investigation

The investigation, led by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), determined that Lanfair’s patrol vehicle struck a sedan driven by 22-year-old Kayla Williams of Birmingham. According to ALEA Capt. Jeremy Burkett, the impact caused the sedan to strike a second vehicle, driven by 30-year-old Deja S. Davis of Center Point.

All three victims—Williams, Davis, and Williams’ 15-year-old brother, Nick—were transported to local hospitals for treatment. Lanfair also required medical attention and was taken to UAB Hospital following the crash.

Current Status

Lanfair previously waived her right to a preliminary hearing, allowing the case to move directly to a grand jury. She is currently released on bond as the legal process continues.