OPELOUSAS, La. (AP) — Police have arrested a Washington woman who sped through school zones, ran red lights and wove in and out of traffic at high speeds from Port Barre to Opelousas.
The Daily World reports (http://bit.ly/w7uXiC ) the wild ride of Kandice Castille, 24, eventually ended when she crashed her car into a ditch in Opelousas, even though she then allegedly tried to continue her flight on foot.
"I'm very thankful no one, especially innocent bystanders or police officers, were injured during this lady's thoughtless actions," said Port Barre Police Chief Deon R. Boudreaux.
Castille has been booked with aggravated flight from an officer, driving with a suspended license and multiple traffic and moving violations.
Boudreaux said she is also being held on a number of bench warrants from the 27th Judicial Court System and the Louisiana Department of Corrections has placed her on a probation hold.
He said the pursuit began when one of his officers stopped Castille for having an expired inspection sticker.
"During the stop, Castille appeared to be very nervous and edgy. When the officer discovered her license was suspended, he attempted to make an arrest. That's when Castille jumped back in her vehicle and sped away," Boudreaux said.
He said she immediately reached speeds of 70 mph while passing through the nearby school zone and then increased speed to 85 mph in a busy neighborhood populated by residences and businesses.
"Police tried to stay a safe distance behind her, hoping she would slow down, but she continued driving at dangerous speeds while weaving in and out of traffic," Boudreaux said.
Once she reached U.S. 190, he said police closed in but she continued to flee.
"The pursuit continued into Opelousas, where the suspect disregarded human life and blew through four-way stop signs, traffic lights and parking lots," Boudreaux said.
He said the chase finally ended when she attempted to make a high-speed turn on a gravel road, lost control of her vehicle and crashed into a ditch.
"The suspect then attempted to run on foot but was quickly apprehended by Port Barre Police," said Boudreaux, who said Castille received minor injuries in the crash.
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Information from: The Daily World, http://www.dailyworld.com