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EAST PALESTINE -- What began as a routine traffic stop for traffic violations resulted in a vehicle and foot pursuit outside of Columbiana County.
The East Palestine Division of Police released details on Saturday regarding the traffic stop that was initiated by East Palestine officers on Friday just before midnight.
According to the press release police stopped the vehicle on North Market Street near Grant Street for multiple equipment violations.
The driver, who was identified as Selita M. Traylor of Cleveland, was found to have a suspended drivers license and an active warrant issued through the Youngstown Police Department, the release stated.
Traylor fled village police after they informed her of the warrant and asked her to exit the vehicle.
Instead of existing as requested, Traylor put the vehicle in drive and attempted to flee police. Local officers pursued Traylor into Mahoning County where primary responsibility of the pursuit was then turned over to the Beaver Township Police Department and Canfield post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the release stated.
East Palestine officers remained on scene to assist.
The vehicle pursuit turned into a foot pursuit after Traylor crashed her vehicle on South Avenue near Dorothy Avenue in Boardman Township, at which point she fled on foot but was shortly after apprehended.
A search of her vehicle uncovered drug paraphernalia, suspected narcotics, and other evidence consistent with drug trafficking, the East Palestine Police Department said.
Traylor was evaluated by emergency medical services at the scene and declined transport to a local hospital. She was charged with possessing drug paraphernalia and failure to comply and taken to the Columbiana County Jail.
Additional charges are anticipated as the investigation continues, East Palestine police said.
"The East Palestine Police Department commends the officers and agencies involved in the pursuit and apprehension for their coordination, professionalism, and assistance in bringing the incident to a safe conclusion," the press release signed by East Palestine Corporal Jacob M. Koehler stated.
"The East Palestine Division of Police remains committed to working collaboratively with local and regional law enforcement partners to combat illegal drug activity and prevent the distribution of illegal narcotics within the Village of East Palestine," police said.