Fresno woman flees crash, leads police chase before hitting guardrail
Police say a 41-year-old woman drove away from a collision on Fresno streets with two juveniles aboard, then sped on Highway 180 before crashing into a guardrail.
Fresno police reported that Brooke Smith, 41, fled a crash at approximately 6:07 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 29, near Shields and Fowler avenues, with two juveniles in the vehicle. A police helicopter later tracked her westward on Highway 180, noting excessive speed, travel on the shoulder, tailgating and a sideswipe of another vehicle. The chase concluded when the car collided with a guardrail at the Blackstone and Abby Avenue exit.
One passenger scrambled out, showing a head wound, while the second complained of pain from the impact. Authorities observed Smith reeking of alcohol, slurring her speech and having difficulty standing. She was arrested on suspicion of DUI involving drugs and alcohol, reckless driving, hit-and-run and felony child endangerment, and booked into the Fresno County Jail.
Why it matters
The incident highlights dangerous driving and potential child endangerment risks on public roads.
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