According to Pottsville Police, Stephanie Arlene Long, 54, was charged after officers observed a black Jeep Grand Cherokee traveling at a high rate of speed shortly after 1:30 a.m. at the intersection of 16th Street and York Farm Road.
Police say the vehicle was estimated to be traveling at least double the posted 25 mph speed limit as it headed south on 16th Street. Officers reported the vehicle failed to stop at multiple posted stop signs, including at 16th Street and Laurel Boulevard and again at 16th Street and Elk Avenue.
As the Jeep entered West Market Street, police say it attempted to pass another vehicle and failed to signal while turning. When officers activated emergency lights and sirens, the vehicle allegedly accelerated rapidly, crossed double yellow lines, and forced another vehicle onto the shoulder while passing in the 1500 block of West Market Street.
During the pursuit, officers reported reaching speeds of approximately 80 mph while the Jeep continued to gain distance. Police say the vehicle traveled eastbound in the westbound lane for nearly an entire block, repeatedly crossed into oncoming traffic, and passed multiple vehicles in unsafe conditions. The pursuit ended when the Jeep voluntarily stopped at the intersection of 5th and Market Streets.
The driver was identified as Long, who was taken into custody without further incident. Police noted a strong odor of alcohol coming from her person and said Long admitted to drinking earlier in the day and to passing other vehicles during the incident.
Long reportedly refused a preliminary breath test but agreed to perform standard field sobriety tests, which police say showed several indicators of impairment. She later refused a blood test and was placed in a holding cell after being unable to arrange transportation due to her level of intoxication.
Long has been charged with felony fleeing or attempting to elude an officer, misdemeanor DUI – general impairment (third offense), reckless driving, disregard of traffic lanes, and multiple summary traffic violations related to stop sign offenses.
All charges were filed by Pottsville Police. Long has not been arraigned on these charges as of this posting.