A Georgia woman led local law enforcement on a pursuit Friday on Interstate 81 traveling at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour.
The driver, Melissa Lee Mathura, 43, of Mansfield, Ga., was allegedly driving erratically and posing a risk to public safety, according to a release from the Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office.
The pursuit on I-81 southbound originated in Augusta County and entered Rockbridge County before law enforcement deployed a tire deflation device.
The suspect vehicle was successfully disabled bringing the pursuit to an end near mile marker 197.
“This incident highlights the importance of strong inter-agency cooperation and disciplined decision-making during high-risk situations,” said Rockbridge County Sheriff Tony McFaddin. “Thanks to the coordinated efforts of all involved agencies, this pursuit was brought to a safe conclusion and the threat to the public was minimized.”
The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office, Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office and Virginia State Police assisted with the incident.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident, and no injuries to members of the public were reported.
Mathura was taken into custody and transported for a medical evaluation. Mathura was charged in Augusta County with felony eluding, reckless driving and driving under the influence (second offense within five years).
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Crystal Graham
