by Wes Harris
One woman was arrested Friday following a high-speed police pursuit involving several law enforcement agencies through Winn, Jackson, and Lincoln Parishes.
Winn Parish Sheriff Josh Mcallister said the pursuit started at 11:05 a.m. north of Winnfield, went into Jackson Parish, and then Lincoln Parish before the driver went back into Jackson Parish.
The pursuit started after Winn Parish Deputy Brandon Tarver attempted to stop a gray Honda CR-V he clocked at 120 miles per hour on U.S. 167 just north of Winnfield.
The Honda traveled northbound on Hwy 167 toward Jackson Parish. At about 11:12 a.m, Jackson Parish deputies joined the pursuit south of the Jonesboro city limits. The vehicle traveled through Jonesboro, turning onto Hudson Avenue, 7th Street, and Cooper Avenue before reentering northbound U.S. 167. The pursuit continued into Lincoln Parish, with speeds exceeding 120 mph.
According to the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office, at about 11:27 a.m., its deputies withdrew from the pursuit as Winn Parish deputies and Jonesboro Police officers continued following the vehicle.
At about 11:33 a.m, the vehicle had entered La. Hwy 146 near Ruston and was traveling back toward Jackson Parish, with Lincoln Parish units now involved in the pursuit. JPSO deputies rejoined the pursuit on La. 146 near La. 155 at about 11:39 a.m.
The pursuit continued toward La. Hwy 4 and into Chatham, where the fleeing vehicle collided with a Winn Parish patrol vehicle. The vehicle continued onto side streets before reentering La. 4 traveling west.
The vehicle continued at a high rate of speed onto Nine Pine Road and then Louvera Lane. Jackson Parish deputies deployed spike strips on Louvera Lane near Beech Springs Rd.; however, the vehicle narrowly avoided the spike strips and continued onto Beech Springs Rd. The vehicle eventually turned onto Old Quitman Hwy. and then U.S. 167 southbound toward North Hodge, reaching speeds exceeding 120 mph.
Near the intersection of U.S. 167 and La. Hwy 147, the driver suddenly slammed on the brakes, causing a pursuing JPSO deputy to collide with the rear of the vehicle. The fleeing vehicle then left the roadway and entered a grassy area near the WestRock paper mill.
A JPSO deputy was able to maneuver in front of the vehicle and make contact with it, bringing the pursuit to an end.
The driver, Heather Urena, 55, of Alexandria, the sole occupant of the vehicle, was taken into custody by JPSO deputies. EMS responded to the scene, and Urena was evaluated for injuries. She was transported to Jackson Parish Medical Center for minor injuries and released.
No one else was injured during the pursuit, according to Sheriff Mcallister.
Urena was booked into the Jackson Parish Jail for aggravated flight from an officer, aggravated assault with a motor vehicle upon a peace officer, and criminal damage to property.
Additional charges may be pending in Winn and Lincoln Parishes.
The Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office thanked the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office, Lincoln Parish law enforcement agencies, and the Jonesboro Police Department for their assistance and coordination during this incident.
Winn Sheriff McAllister extended his sincere appreciation to Jackson and Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office’s along with Dodson Police, Jonesboro, Hodge, and Ruston Police for their quick response, professionalism, and assistance in bringing this dangerous situation to an end.
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