Pursuit leads to DUI arrest in Lackawanna County
LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — One woman is facing charges after Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) say she was driving under the influence and attempted to flee from law enforcement.
According to a police criminal complaint on Wednesday, January 28, around 1:53 am. troopers observed a black Hyundai Sonata driving at a slow rate of speed and swerving in between lanes near Phillips Road in Clifton Township, Lackawanna County.
PSP says they attempted a traffic stop on the vehicle and the driver initially stopped, but when the state trooper got out of his cruiser, the driver of the Hyundai fled the scene going north on PA 435.
According to the complaint, PSP pursued the vehicle and performed a “Precision Immobilization Technique” or PIT maneuver, making the car come to a stop. The driver then jumped out of the passenger side of the vehicle and fled on foot, troopers say.
As the complaint reads the driver was told numerous times to stop running and didn’t comply. Police say they were able to take down the driver, but she became physically combative with law enforcement.
State troopers say they deployed a conducted electric weapon (CEW) and used it to subdue the driver placing her under arrest.
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According to PSP, the driver was identified as 47-year-old Letitia Manae Butler, of Cochranton, Crawford County, which is over 300 miles from Scranton.
The complaint states Butler had the smell of alcohol coming off of her, and troopers say they observed bloodshot, glossy eyes, unsure footing, and slurred speech.
Butler was transported to Geisinger CMC where she submitted to a portable breath test, indicating the presence of alcohol, and a blood draw.
According to court documents, Butler was remanded to the Lackawanna County Prison until her preliminary hearing held on Thursday, February 8, when she was released on $2,500 unsecured bail.
Butler faces a felony charge of fleeing or attempting to elude police, misdemeanor charges of DUI, resisting arrest, evading arrest or detention on foot, and several summary offenses.
PSP says Butler already has two previous DUI convictions and her driver’s license is currently suspended due to a DUI.
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