20080619 Westminster Police Department DWI Arrest press release

20080619 Westminster Police Department DWI Arrest press release

Westminster Police Department
36 Locust Street
Westminster, Maryland 21157
410-848-4646

Captain Gerry Frischkorn
News Release
DWI 08-70

On June 19, 2008 at approximately 0100 hours the Westminster Police Department attempted to stop a Honda Civic that was traveling at a high rate of speed on eastbound East Main Street. The Honda failed to stop and turned onto Maryland Rt. 97 southbound and continued at speeds reaching 90 miles per hour. The Maryland State Police joined the chase and in the vicinity of Maryland Rt. 97 and Maryland Rt. 26 a Stop Stick tire deflation device was successfully deployed causing both the right side tires of the Honda to be deflated.

The Honda continued westbound on Maryland Rt. 26 eventually shredding the right side tires resulting in the Honda being driven on the rims. The Honda continued at speeds of 60 to 80 miles per until it turned northbound on Maryland Rt. 194. Upon entering the Taneytown city limits, a rolling road block was established by pursuing officers and the suspect vehicle was stopped.

While being removed from the vehicle, the operator fell onto a Westminster police officer causing both to hit the ground and receive minor cuts. Both the operator and officer were treated and released from Carroll Hospital Center.

The operator was identified as Vanessa Jane Gardner, age 32, of Rosemont, Pa.

Ms. Gardner was arrested and charged DUI, Fleeing and Eluding , Reckless Driving, Negligent Driving and Speeding.

Media Contact:

Captain Gerry Frischkorn
Administrative Bureau
Westminster Police Department
36 Locust Street
Westminster, Maryland 21157
(410) 848-1638