Martin County - Thursday January 9, 2023: A driver, who nearly struck deputies on the side of the road conducting a traffic stop, has been arrested and charged with failure to obey an order to stop, and child endangerment.
According to a release from the Martin County Sheriff's Office, 36-year old Luciana Jean Louis of Fort Pierce came "dangerously close to hitting two MCSO deputies working a traffic stop on the shoulder of the highway" and making no attempt "to slow down or move over."
Deputies gave chase with "lights and sirens" flashing but Louis refused to pull over or slow down. Stop sticks were deployed deflating her tires, but she still refused to stop, according to the release.
Finally the car became too difficult to navigate, Louis made an abrupt stop. But she refused to exit the vehicle, until, following "multiple commands", she got out and was taken into custody. There was a child in the vehicle with Louis who was not wearing a seat belt.
Florida’s Move Over Law requires motorists to move over when law enforcement, tow truck drivers or utility companies are on the shoulder of the road.
If you can’t safely move over, you must lower your speed.