According to the Pennsylvania State Police at Frackville, troopers attempted to stop a black SUV driven by Arisleida Villa Rosario, 35, of Shenandoah, shortly after 2:00 AM while on roving patrol along South Lehigh Avenue in Frackville Borough.
Police say the vehicle was seen fluctuating speeds between 25 and 55 miles per hour in a Route 61 work zone, crossing lane markings, and nearly striking road barriers. The driver also reportedly followed another vehicle too closely.
When troopers activated emergency lights and sirens near the Walmart in St. Clair, the SUV failed to stop and continued south into Pottsville, swerving in and out of its lane. At one point, police said the vehicle activated its hazard lights and stopped at a red light in Pottsville.
Troopers approached the vehicle and were told a backseat passenger was experiencing a medical emergency. The SUV was escorted by police to Lehigh Valley Hospital–Schuylkill East, where passengers were dropped off. However, police said Villa Rosario suddenly drove off while officers were still investigating the suspected DUI.
A pursuit resumed through Pottsville, where the SUV allegedly made a wide turn into oncoming traffic before finally being stopped by troopers north of Race Street. Police said Villa Rosario then fled on foot but was quickly apprehended by troopers and Pottsville Police.
According to the affidavit, officers detected an odor of alcohol from Villa Rosario, who failed multiple field sobriety tests administered with the assistance of a Spanish-speaking officer.
Villa Rosario was charged with:
- Two felony counts of Fleeing or Attempting to Elude an Officer
- Misdemeanor counts of DUI/Unsafe Driving, Resisting Arrest, and Evading Arrest on Foot
- Several summary traffic violations including careless driving, following too closely, driving without a license, and speeding.