On Saturday, February 21, 2015, at around 1:00 a.m., Corporal J. M. Vernon of the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office was on scene of a 911 call regarding a disturbance on Strawberry Road outside of Saint Albans, WV. He left his emergency lights flashing while his vehicle was parked because of the location of his vehicle close to the road.
Corporal Vernon was in his cruiser when he saw a black sedan coming toward him. The car appeared to be driven recklessly and fast. It swerved and struck the rear of his cruiser in a sideswipe crash, then continued on Strawberry Road as it picked up speed.
The vehicle fled onto Empire Drive and nearly struck several parked cars. On Scott Drive the car came to a sudden stop. The driver’s door opened and the driver ran. Deputy T. J. Cumberledge arrived and stayed with the vehicle and other occupants as Corporal Vernon chased the driver on foot. The driver was quickly apprehended.
The driver was identified as Susan Marie Scott, 51 of Saint Albans, WV. The passengers in the car gave statements admitting Ms. Scott was driving the car and it struck the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office vehicle.
While in custody it was realized Ms. Scott was likely under the influence of controlled substances. A drug recognition expert, Corporal J. Lester, responded to the Sheriff’s Office’s booking room and observed Ms. Scott. He transported Ms. Scott to an area hospital where a blood sample was obtained to be analyzed for evidence of drugs and alcohol.
Ms. Scott was charged with fleeing while under the influence and fleeing with reckless intent. She was then taken to South Central Regional Jail to be held until arraigned.
Interestingly, earlier on the same night, (before midnight on February 20, 2015) Deputy Cumberledge arrested Ms. Scott. She was arrested for driving while revoked for DUI after she was involved in a crash. She was released after that arraignment, retrieved her vehicle, got high on drugs, then drove to Strawberry Road where she struck Corporal Vernon’s car.
As is always the case in criminal matters, the charges against Ms. Scott are merely accusations. She is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Cpl. B. D. Humphreys
Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office
301 Virginia St. E.
Charleston WV 25301
304-357-0732 / 304-951-7328
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www.kanawhasheriff.us