Woman Led Police on Pursuit Through Streets of Pottsville, Into Port Carbon

A Port Carbon woman is facing charges after police say she led them on a high-speed and reckless pursuit through the streets of Pottsville late last month.

According to an affidavit filed by police in Pottsville, this incident happened at about 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 26. At that time, police say Autumn Bahena, 45, was at the intersection of N. Centre St. and Laurel Blvd. in the city.

Bahena, in a Chevrolet Cruz, was headed westbound and swerving in and out of lanes, police say, nearly colliding with vehicles stopped at a traffic light. As this was occurring, police say Bahena had her vehicle’s stereo turned up while she danced and screamed out of the window.

Police say they followed Bahena onto N. 3rd St., then to W. Market St., followed by a right onto N. Centre St. A traffic stop was attempted but Bahena ignored the flashing lights and didn’t pull to the side of the road.

Bahena then reportedly came to a stop at a red light on N. Centre and W. Norwegian streets. When the light turned green, police say Bahena stepped on it and swerved into oncoming traffic, nearly hitting oncoming vehicles.

Police say they hit the siren at that point, which is when the pursuit’s speed accelerated. Bahena was reportedly doing 50 mph (in a 35 mph zone), weaving in and out of lanes. This chase continued northbound on N. Centre St. and on to “multiple city streets,” according to the affidavit.

As the pursuit continued, police say Bahena drove through a Stop sign at Progress Ave. and E. Norwegian St. Police called for backup at this point as Bahena got on Route 61 headed southbound. Bahena reportedly got up to 60 mph as the pursuit continued. She allegedly kept swerving into oncoming traffic as the pursuit continued to Route 209 and Bahena topped 60 mph.

After about 10 minutes, police say Bahena stopped at the rear of her home on Canal St. in Port Carbon. Police say they approached Bahena at this time, ordering her to turn off the vehicle and get out. She reportedly ignored these commands so police removed her from the vehicle and took her into custody.

During the course of the investigation, police say that Bahena admitted she had taken Prozac prior to that pursuit. She was taken to nearby Lehigh Valley Hospital for a blood test.

In addition to several summary offenses, Bahena is also facing a third-degree felony charge of eluding police.

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