A vehicle pursuit that started on Highway 99 in Turlock came to an end in Ceres when the suspect decided to take a cigarette break.
The suspect was identified by the California Highway Patrol as Autumn Trousdale, 23, of Ceres. She was arrested on suspicion of felony evasion, driving under the influence of narcotics, resisting arrest, driving without a license, as well as warrants for auto theft and probation violation.
The incident began shortly after 1 a.m. Wednesday as Trousdale was driving a Mitsubishi Galant northbound on Highway 99. Around the Monte Vista Avenue ramp a CHP officer clocked the Mitsubishi traveling at a rate of 95 miles per hour.
The officer initiated a traffic stop but instead of stopping, Trousdale allegedly sped off, reaching speeds of more than 100 miles per hour, according to the CHP.
A pursuit ensued down the highway until Trousdale took the Central Modesto exit and then got on southbound Highway 99.
According to the CHP, Trousdale took the Hatch Road exit and proceeded to flee from the officers. At one point she drove the vehicle into a median, causing two tires to blow out.
In the 1400 block of Hatch Road, Trousdale stopped the car and took off running. However, she didn’t go very far before she stopped and took out a cigarette.
“Autumn, knowing capture was imminent, stopped and lit a cigarette before being placed under arrest,” the CHP said in a Facebook post.