A vehicle pursuit that started on Highway 99 in Turlock came to an end in Ceres when the suspect decided to take a cigarette break.
The suspect was identified by the California Highway Patrol as Autumn Trousdale, 23, of Ceres. She was arrested on suspicion of felony evasion, driving under the influence of narcotics, resisting arrest, driving without a license, as well as warrants for auto theft and probation violation.
The incident began shortly after 1 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20 as Trousdale was driving a Mitsubishi Galant northbound on the highway. A CHP officer clocked the Mitsubishi traveling at 95 miles per hour near the Monte Vista Avenue onramp
The officer initiated a traffic stop but instead of stopping, Trousdale accelerated to speeds of more than 100 mph, according to the CHP.
A pursuit continued on the freeway until Trousdale took the Central Modesto exit and then looped back onto Highway 99, this time going southbound toward Ceres.
Trousdale took the Hatch Road exit and proceeded to flee, at one point driving into a median and blowing two tires.
In the 1400 block of Hatch Road, Trousdale stopped the car and took off running. However, she didn’t go very far before she stopped and took out a cigarette.
“Autumn, knowing capture was imminent, stopped and lit a cigarette before being placed under arrest,” the CHP said in a Facebook post.