(LOCKPORT TOWNSHIP) – A Sturgis woman is behind bars after leading authorities on a chase.

St. Joseph County Sheriff Mark Lillywhite says just after 3 AM Monday, his department was sent to Lutz Road near Hoshel Road in Lockport Township to investigate a single vehicle accident.

The driver, a 25 year old Sturgis woman, was subsequently arrested for operating while intoxicated. While officers were searching her vehicle, the driver slipped free from her handcuffs and crawled through the petition. She then drove off in the patrol vehicle, heading south on Lutz Road.

The suspect went through the intersection of Lutz Road and U.S. 12, striking a utility pole and several trees. She then ran away and was located 100 yards east of where she crashed and taken back into custody.

Deputies discovered that the suspect had originally given them a false name.

The woman was taken to the St. Joseph County Jail and lodged on charges of operating while intoxicated, driving while license suspended, operating without insurance, motor vehicle theft, fleeing and eluding, resisting and obstructing, giving false identification to police and leaving the scene of an accident.