C MORPHIS 2 17 23 FRONT

On Friday, February 17th, 2023, at approximately 9:57PM, I Trooper Walker Morphis, along with Trooper Tyler Grant and Trooper Ross Allen were conducting a sobriety checkpoint on State Highway 35 at the Highway 278 bypass, assisted by the Drew County Sheriff Office.
While conducting this checkpoint, a Red Nissan Altima came up to the designated safe area. Deputy Chris Austin (Drew County Sheriff Office) waved this vehicle over in an attempt to check for impairment. The driver of this Altima then accelerated to approximately 70 MPH, almost potentially striking Deputy Austin, in an attempt to evade. The driver, later identified as Olivia Smith (DOB 10/1/1999), recklessly accelerated to 130mph, fleeing in a east direction on State Highway 35. I got back to my patrol vehicle and quickly began to pursue the vehicle. Trooper Grant followed behind me and took over the radio communications throughout the pursuit.
Ms. Smith continued down State Highway 35 at extremely reckless speeds, well over 100 mph at most times, and crossing into oncoming traffic. This continued for approximately 6 miles on State Highway 35, until Ms. Smith came to a stop.
A felony takedown was conducted and Ms. Smith and her passenger, Salena Danley, were taken into custody without further incident.
Rod's Towing and Recovery was called to take the vehicle, and Ms. Smith and Ms. Danley were transported to Drew County Detention Center.
Ms. Smith was charged with Aggravated Assault Against a Law Enforcement Officer, Felony Fleeing, Speeding, Reckless Driving, and Obstruction of Governmental Operations, and was held to await a first appearance.
Ms. Danley was not charged and released later that evening.