A driver accused of fleeing a CHP officer and crashing in a chain-up area during last week’s Sierra snowstorm was being held in South Lake Tahoe jail, the California Highway Patrol said.
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The pursuit happened last Friday, Jan. 3, on Highway 50 approaching South Lake Tahoe, the agency’s account said.
Other drivers had reported an eastbound Toyota Prius being driven at unsafe speeds and passing across the double yellow line east of Twin Bridges. A CHP officer attempted to pull over the car near the Sierra-at-Tahoe ski area; the driver refused to stop.
The pursuit continued for about 6 miles, over Echo Summit, before the Prius ran head-on into an SUV at the chain control area in Meyers, the CHP said. Five people in the SUV reportedly suffered minor injuries.
The Prius’ driver, a 63-year-old woman, was not injured. She was arrested on suspicion of charges including causing bodily injury while driving under the influence of alcohol and obstructing/resisting an officer. Her bail was set at $403,000, and as of Jan. 7 she remained in jail.
The Sacramento Bee identified her as a drug and alcohol abuse counselor who works in San Francisco.
Heavy snow was falling at the time of the chase, and multiple collisions had been reported on Highway 50. Echo Summit received about 6 inches of snow that day. Chain controls were in effect on Interstate 80 and Highway 50, and both roads were briefly closed in midafternoon because of hazardous driving conditions.
