Utah woman arrested after alleged car theft, high-speed chase on I-70
The Eagle County Sheriff’s Office has shared the details of a car chase that occurred on Interstate 70 on Friday afternoon and resulted in one arrest.
“At approximately 11:45 a.m., deputies with the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office received a call from the victim of a car theft,” according to the report. “The victim was outside their Ford Explorer at the Gypsum car wash when it was stolen by a female who was later identified as 29-year-old Mele Palei, out of Utah. An innocent bystander who witnessed the theft attempted to stop the car at the Gypsum ponds. The Explorer went through the deer fence and then traveled eastbound on I-70.”
A deputy on I-70 saw the vehicle and attempted to initiate a traffic stop, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
“The driver failed to stop, and deputies initiated a pursuit which exceeded 100 mph,” according to the report. “At MM 163 eastbound on I-70, near Edwards, stop sticks were successfully deployed by deputies. The Explorer continued to flee eastbound and crashed at MM 164 eastbound into a guardrail. The suspect attempted to flee, and after a short foot pursuit, she was quickly apprehended. I-70 was briefly closed while the scene was cleared.”
Palei was booked into the Eagle County Detention Facility and is facing two counts of criminal mischief, and one count of first degree aggravated motor theft, resisting arrest, driving without a valid license, reckless driving, reckless endangerment and vehicular eluding.
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The Sheriff’s Office also reminded all readers that people charged with crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
“We appreciate your patience while we cleared the road,” according to the report. “We also want to extend our sincere thanks to all of our incredible partner agencies, Colorado State Patrol, Avon PD, and Eagle PD, for their quick response, teamwork, and support.”
