Shelton woman leads state patrol on chase

EPHRATA - A Shelton woman allegedly attempted to flee police on state Route 26 after reportedly being stopped for driving drunk.

Marcella R. Cooper was charged with attempting to elude and driving under the influence in Grant County Superior Court recently.

According to court documents, the State Patrol received a call that a red Chevrolet Tahoe was seen nearly leaving the road while traveling east on Interstate 90.

Troopers was reportedly able to catch up to the vehicle and observed it take the state Route 26 exit.

According to the police report, troopers activated their emergency lights after the vehicle allegedly made multiple unsafe lane violations.

After the vehicle stopped, troopers reportedly observed two female passengers and a child inside the SUV.

The driver, Cooper, allegedly had blood-shot eyes and was slow to respond to the troopers. Law enforcement also reported a strong odor of alcohol coming from the vehicle.

According to the police report, Cooper was asked to perform a sobriety test. As she was exiting the Tahoe, Cooper allegedly changed her mind, shut the door and started the vehicle.

Cooper allegedly put the Tahoe in drive and one trooper standing in front of the vehicle had to jump out of the way as the SUV sped off.

Troopers allegedly chased Cooper for several miles and observed her hit a stop sign, cross the center line of the road and almost hit another trooper's car.

Cooper allegedly turned into a field that was blocked by three officers and was caught.

According to court documents, Cooper allegedly had a blood alcohol content of .254, more than three times the legal limit.

She was booked into Grant County Jail.