Thursday, April 21, 2011
Intoxicated Jail Visitor Drags Officer During Car Chase
A visitor at the Lawrence County Detention Center being arrested on DUI charges Tuesday evening dragged a police officer with her vehicle before leading authorities on a car chase, and then foot chase.
Irene Raney Vitagliano, 33, of 642 Fall River Road was booked through the jail Tuesday night on charges of first offense DUI, driving on a suspended driver license, reckless driving, violation of the implied consent law, violation of the open container law, duty upon striking an unattended vehicle, three counts of vandalism, possession of Schedule III narcotics for the purpose of resale, and two counts of aggravated assault on a police officer.
A Lawrenceburg Police officer reports that he was in the jail parking lot when he noticed Vitagliano exit a car and walk inside. He noted it appeared that she was under the influence of some type of intoxicant. In addition, the officer had knowledge that Vitagliano’s license had been suspended.
When Vitagliano exited the jail, the officer confronted her at her car. After failing field sobriety tests, the officer asked whether she was in possession of any illegal substances. The officer reports that she retrieved her purse.
While digging through it, the officer noticed several pill bottles inside. Vitagliano handed over a bottle containing what appeared to be Lortab and two other types of pills. She then told the officer she would hand over the remainder of the contraband, and sat down inside her car.
The officer reports while he was on the radio requesting assistance, Vitagliano started the car “in an attempt to leave.” He engaged in a struggle with her and reports that she was pushing and kicking him.
At this point a deputy noticed the ruckus and ran across the parking lot to assist. The officer reports, however, that Vitagliano was able to put the car in drive. She sped forward while the officer was still partially inside the car, striking another car in the process.
As the officer stepped back, he reports Vitagliano put the car in reverse, moved backwards, turned around and drove through the grass, striking a concrete culvert in her effort to flee.
While requesting backup the officer ran to his car and attempted to pursue Vitagliano. He indicates that she was sighted at the May Street/Mahr Avenue intersection by another officer, and that she swerved at the patrol car.
During the ensuing pursuit Vitagliano reportedly traveled along North Military Avenue. She ran off the roadway at Challenger Electric, striking a mailbox, then jumped out of the car while it was still in motion.
Vitagliano ran on foot to the rear of the Swap and Shop building. When an officer caught up to her he indicates she began fighting and attempted to grab his baton. Vitagliano was then forced to the ground where officers report she continued her attempts to flee.
Vitagliano was placed into a squad car. While searching her vehicle, officers report finding an open bottle of whiskey and $981 in cash.
While at the jail reports show Vitagliano told officers she was unable to breathe. She was transported to Crockett Hospital where she was checked and released. She was subsequently transported back to the jail. Vitagliano was booked, then jailed under a bond of $92,250.
Vitagliano is scheduled for an initial appearance in Lawrence County General Sessions Court on May 5, 2011.
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