A New York woman was arrested after allegedly fleeing a traffic stop, striking a State Police vehicle multiple times, and crashing into a tractor-trailer during a pursuit on Interstate 81 in Schuylkill County, police say.
Shortly before noon on Friday, State Police say they responded to a report of a disabled vehicle partially blocking the left southbound lane of I-81 near mile marker 98.5 in Pine Grove Township.
Upon arriving, police checked the vehicle’s New York license plate and found it linked to a missing person entry for Judith Cancela, 32, of Warwick, NY, police say.
After confirming Cancela’s identity, police say they told her to stay in her vehicle while they awaited confirmation regarding the missing person report from police in New York. At that point, Cancela rolled up her window and fled south on the interstate.
Police say they pursued Cancela for abot five miles before bringing her to a controlled stop in the right lane near mile marker 90.8 in Lebanon County.
During the stop, a police vehicle was positioned in front of Cancela. Police say Cancela then struck the unmarked police vehicle about three times while its emergency lights and sirens were activated.
Cancela attempted to flee again, striking the rear of a tractor-trailer, police say. The impact with the rear passenger side of the trailer prevented her from continuing to flee, police say.
Police say they extracted Cancela from the vehicle as she actively resisted arrest. Cancela was taken before Magisterial District Judge Christian Lengel in Tremont and charged with felony counts of aggravated assault against designated individuals and fleeing police as well as misdemeanor counts of fleeing police, reckless endangerment, and resisting arrest. Lengel set bail at $200,000 and remanded Cancela to Schuylkill County Prison.
Subscribe to Coal Region Canary
Get email updates from Coal Region Canary by becoming a subscriber today. Just enter your email address below to get started!Support Coal Region Canary
Like our reporting and want to support truly local news in Schuylkill County? Your small donations help. For as little as $5, your contribution will allow us to cover more news that directly affects you. Consider donating today by hitting the big yellow button below ...