High-speed Driver Allegedly Swerves At Trooper’s Car
An Arkansas woman landed in the Seminole County Jail after she allegedly led a state trooper on a high-speed chase on Interstate 40 and attempted to hit his patrol car during the pursuit.
Melissa Nicole Bradley (alias Brittney Diane Harrison), 30, of Jonesboro Arkansas, was arrested in late March and faces multiple charges, including assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and endangering others while attempting to elude police. The charges were filed Wednesday in Seminole District Court.
According to an affidavit, on March 21 Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper Brian Iker clocked a gray Nissan driven by Bradley travelling 89 mph in a 75-mph zone at mile marker 202 on I-40.
Iker pulled the vehicle over and observed two people inside. As Iker began to put his thumbprint on the car’s trunk, it sped away and Iker gave chase.
According to the affidavit, Bradley was weaving in and out of traffic and passing other vehicles on the shoulder as Iker pursued her. Iker said speeds reached as high as 130 mph during the pursuit.
Bradley took the Earlsboro exit and almost hit several vehicles before re-entering westbound I-40, Iker stated in the affidavit. Iker said he attempted a tactical vehicle intervention to try and end the pursuit but was unsuccessful.
Bradley allegedly swerved towards Iker’s vehicle during the chase, but he swerved the other way and hit a stop sign, causing significant damage to his patrol car. Bradley then lost control of her vehicle and bailed out, according to the affidavit.
After a brief foot chase, Iker caught Bradley and placed her in handcuffs. According to the affidavit, Bradley said her name was “Brittney Harrison” and told Iker that the passenger made her run. Iker said Bradley was in possession of a Glock pistol at the time of her arrest.
Bradley was booked into the Seminole County Jail as Brittney Harrison, but on March 26 Iker interrogated her again and she said her name was Melissa Nicole Bradley. Her identification was confirmed by Arkansas authorities.
In addition to the assault and eluding police charges, Bradley was charged with possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and falsely personating another to create liability.
Court records indicate Bradley is due in court for a status hearing on April 15.