By Joe Bachman
Editor

WISCONSIN RAPIDS — A 41-year-old Almond woman has been charged with fleeing police, and causing property damage after a failed attempt to elude officers.

On Nov. 26, an officer noticed a vehicle in a mobile home park on Eighth St. South slow down near one of the trailers in the park, and then immediate speed away. After running the license plate, it was observed that the plates were expired.

After a traffic stop was initiated on Lincoln St., an officer exited the vehicle and approached the defendant, later identified as Joanna Barton, only for her to speed off. A chase ensued to Bruce Ln., through Brianwood Ave., through multiple stop signs, and back onto Lincoln St. Police estimated that Barton had traveled up to speeds of 60 mph through residential areas.

The chase would continue to Ruby Ave. where Barton sped through a stop sign on Eighth St. South and collided into another vehicle, resulting in Barton crashing into a light pole. Barton was trapped inside her vehicle as a result of the crash.

Emergency services quickly extracted Barton from her vehicle. The driver who Barton had struck was shaken up, and received medical attention on the scene from EMS staff.

If convicted, Barton faces up to six years imprisonment and up to $10,000 in fines, as well as additional charges of bail jumping and operating with a revoked license. Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for Dec. 13.