ALACHUA COUNTY, Fla. – An Alachua County woman faces multiple felony charges after she allegedly struck a patrol vehicle and fled from deputies — all while two young children were in her car.
Deputies responded to SW 21st Lane in the early morning hours of Saturday, July 4, after multiple callers reported a woman in a white vehicle attempting to run over a man.
Recommended Videos
When deputies arrived, they spotted a white Chrysler in the parking lot being actively driven by the suspect, later identified as 25-year-old Michelle Bartholomew. As deputies moved to make contact with her, Bartholomew accelerated her vehicle toward them, striking a patrol vehicle before speeding away.
She then attempted to hit a second deputy’s vehicle as that deputy was responding to the scene. That deputy swerved out of the way, avoiding a collision.
Deputies call off pursuit over concerns for children
Deputies attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but they say Bartholomew refused to pull over. She continued to flee, running red lights and driving above posted speed limits, according to deputies.
During the pursuit, deputies say they learned Bartholomew had two young children in the vehicle. Out of an abundance of caution for the children’s well-being, law enforcement called off the pursuit.
A short time later, deputies spotted Bartholomew walking with the children in the area where the pursuit had been called off.
When deputies stepped out to make contact with her, Bartholomew attempted to jump from a bridge. Deputies intervened and prevented her from doing so.
“She continued to resist and was uncooperative,” according to the sheriff’s office. Bartholomew was ultimately taken into custody.
Deputies located her vehicle nearby. Inside the Chrysler, they found no car seats for the children.
Charges
Bartholomew was charged with the following:
- Two counts of Aggravated Battery on Law Enforcement
- Two counts of Child Abuse without Great Bodily Harm
- Aggravated Assault on Law Enforcement
- Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding