October 14, 2021 9:30 a.m.

A Sutherlin woman was hospitalized and two police vehicles were damaged in a pursuit incident on Wednesday.

A report from Sutherlin Police said at 1:50 p.m. officers responded to the area of Old Highway 99 North and Deady Crossing to locate an allegedly intoxicated driver who had stopped her vehicle in the middle of the northbound lane of Highway 99.

The sedan was located traveling north in the 1300 block of South Calapooia. It was traveling at about 25 miles per hour which caused traffic to begin passing in the center lane and caused traffic to back up behind it. The sedan then stopped abruptly in the northbound lane and almost caused a chain reaction collision.

The report said when officers pulled up to the stopped vehicle, it accelerated and ran into a Sutherlin patrol vehicle, damaging it. The sedan then sped off at a very high rate of speed. Officers began pursuing the vehicle which turned onto South State Street. The vehicle traveled south to where the road ended. The sedan then allegedly turned around and accelerated, running into two patrol vehicles, which caused the sedan to stop.

Officers then attempted to take the driver into custody but she reportedly ignored commands and resisted arrest by fighting with officers. A taser deployment brought the woman under control and she was taken into custody.

The driver was identified as 44-year old Debra Smith. She was transported to CHI Mercy Medical Center on a peace officer hold. Smith is listed in fair condition, according to a hospital spokesperson. Pending charges include felony elude, reckless driving and second-degree attempted assault.

One SPD vehicle was undrivable and had to be towed from the scene. No one was injured in the incident.