Erratic driving and wreck results in arrest

Sept. 27--TEABERRY -- Chaos erupted in Teaberry over the weekend. Kentucky State Police Trooper Matthew Mihalik was investigating a complaint on Tackett Fork in Teaberry on Saturday when he observed a vehicle matching the description of one involved in a complaint. Mihalik pursued the vehicle that was operating at a high rate of speed, swerving, and sliding over the road, almost wrecking.

When the vehicle failed to give a signal to turn onto Kentucky Route 979 South, Mihalik activated his emergency lights and siren in an attempt to stop it. The vehicle sped up allegedly attempting to outrun the trooper. reaching speeds of approximately 65 miles per hour and crossing the double yellow center line several times. The vehicle hit a ditch, which popped the passenger side front tire. The vehicle, out of control, struck another vehicle traveling north, yet continued to travel south. The vehicle crossed the centerline, struck a fence and flipped onto its roof before finally coming to a final stop.

Mihalik approached the vehicle with intent to render aid to anyone injured. The driver, Brandy Hatfield, of Mink Branch, exited the vehicle and attempted to run away. Hatfield ignored several loud verbal commands to stop. She was eventually caught and taken to the ground.

After failing a field sobriety test, Hatfield was arrested and charged with failure of owner to maintain required insurance, failure to produce insurance card, failure to give signal, rear license not illuminated, resisting arrest, fleeing or evading police -- first degree (on foot), driving on DUI suspended license -- first offense, operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, no registration receipt and no registration plates.

Hatfield was lodged in the Floyd County Detention Center.

Andrea Saddler is a reporter for The Floyd County Times. She can be reached at (606) 886-8506.

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