A routine traffic stop turned into a tense police chase and dramatic arrest Tuesday afternoon after a woman allegedly refused to put down her infant while officers attempted to take her into custody.
According to the [City] Police Department, the incident began around 3:15 p.m. when patrol officers attempted to stop a silver sedan for reckless driving near [Street Name] and [Avenue]. When the driver failed to pull over, a pursuit ensued, weaving through residential neighborhoods at speeds exceeding 60 mph.
Officers say the driver, later identified as [Name Withheld], 28, ignored repeated commands to stop, eventually pulling into a cul-de-sac where the vehicle was boxed in by patrol units. Body camera footage reviewed by investigators allegedly shows the woman exiting the car with a baby in her arms.
“When our officers approached, she clutched the child tightly and refused to comply with verbal commands to put the infant down so we could safely take her into custody,” said Sgt. [Officer Name], a department spokesperson. “Our priority was the child’s safety, which made this situation extremely delicate.”
After several minutes of negotiation, officers moved in and safely secured the baby with assistance from a female officer on scene. Police say the suspect physically resisted handcuffing, kicking and pulling away from officers.
The baby, believed to be less than one year old, was evaluated by paramedics and found to be unharmed. Child Protective Services was notified and has taken temporary custody of the infant pending further investigation.
