THPD: Officers shoot at SUV as fleeing woman strikes K-9

Misner/Vigo Co. Jail

By Lucy Perry
Indiana Central News

An Illinois woman was arrested early Sunday morning following a police pursuit that began near downtown Terre Haute and ultimately ended near New Goshen  --  after officers say they resorted to firing shots at the suspect's vehcile in order to stop the driver from running over a K-9.

Catrina R. Misner, 33, of Mooresville, Ill,, was booked into the Vigo County Jail around 6 a.m. She is charged with battery committed with a deadly weapon, criminal recklessness, interfere/strike a law enforcement animal, resisting law enforcement, driving while suspended, reckless driving and public intoxication.
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Around 1 a.m., a Terre Haute Police Department officer observed the northbound red Chevy SUV at First and Cherry Streets, traveling at a high rate of speed and disregardarding a stop light. 

A traffic stop was initiated; however, police say the suspect refused to stop.

Multiple officers joined in the pursuit. Stop sticks were eventually deployed at SR 63 and New Goshen Road, after the suspect nearly struck another vehicle, according to the Terre Haute Police Department, 

Misner continued to flee from the officers, turning onto an overgrown trail in a wooded area.

​Finally, the vehicle came to a stop,

Misner reportedly ignored commands to exit the vehicle, as several officers surrounded the SUV.

Meanwhile,  A K-9 officer was near the driver’s side rear of the vehicle for a possible deployment, according to the report.

The situation escalated when the driver allegedly placed the car in reverse and accelerated at a high rate of speed toward the K-9 officer. The K-9 officer jumped out of the way. His K-9 partner’s front legs were struck by the vehicle, according to the report.

Three officers on the other side of the vehicle responded by firing multiple shots at the vehicle, as the vehicle then stopped and began accelerating forward toward the other officers, Chief Shawn Keen stated in the press release.

The officer and K-9 weren't seriously injuried in the incident. The suspect was not injured and was transported to a local hospital for examination before being released to the jail.