The Santa Fe Police Department released dashcam and bodycam footage showing 65-year-old Della Gomez refusing to stop during a traffic stop on I-25 and leading officers on a chase through an active construction zone. The Hyundai struck several orange barrels near mile marker 286 and later entered the median near mile marker 297 as a semi-truck approached, prompting officers to perform a blocking maneuver. Officers removed the driver from the vehicle, arrested her and took her to a hospital for medical clearance before booking on multiple charges.
65-Year-Old Driver Flees Police Through Active Construction Zone on I-25, Triggering Dangerous Highway Chase
Image Credit: Santa Fe Police Department/Facebook
The Santa Fe Police Department released dashcam and body-worn camera footage showing a 65-year-old driver refusing to stop during a traffic stop on Interstate 25, then leading officers on a hazardous pursuit through an active construction zone.
What Happened
What began as a routine traffic stop quickly escalated when the driver allegedly ignored repeated orders to pull over. Dashcam video shows the officer using lights, siren and loudspeaker commands—“Pull over. Stop your vehicle.”—as the Hyundai continued northbound on I-25. At one point the officer told dispatch he could not tell whether the driver was confused or impaired.
Danger in the Work Zone
The pursuit entered an active construction zone near mile marker 286. According to police, the Hyundai weaved between the open roadway and lanes closed for construction, passing between orange barrels and striking several as it went. The officer requested backup and spike strips while continuing to issue commands over the loudspeaker. Officers reported speeds during the chase near 44 mph in portions of the pursuit.
Near Miss With Oncoming Traffic
After leaving the construction area the vehicle continued north. Near mile marker 297 the driver moved into the median and appeared to attempt a turn into oncoming traffic as a semi-truck approached. Officers quickly executed a blocking maneuver to prevent the Hyundai from entering the opposing lanes.
The Arrest
Officers ordered the driver to exit the vehicle; she initially refused and attempted to drive again. Bodycam footage shows an officer reach through an open window to control the driver’s arm before removing her from the car and taking her into custody. During the arrest the woman repeatedly complained about her arm, denied being intoxicated and said, “I just got out of jail. I don’t want to go back.” Officers arranged for an ambulance to evaluate her.
Charges and Booking
The driver was identified as 65-year-old Della Gomez of Santa Fe. She was arrested on charges including aggravated fleeing a law enforcement officer, driving while license suspended or revoked, impeding traffic and failure to obey traffic-control devices in a construction zone. Gomez was taken to a local hospital for medical clearance and subsequently booked into the Santa Fe County Adult Detention Center.
Note: Video released by the Santa Fe Police Department includes dashcam and body-worn camera recordings that document the pursuit and arrest.
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