A woman led police on a 25 mile chase before finally being caught by officers
A police chase that was televised on several stations around the state of Michigan has resulted in one woman facing criminal charges. She has been charged for fleeing from the police but it was the reason for her flight that is likely to result in some very serious additional charges.
Police records show that on October 26, 2016, the body of 19-year-old Meagan Margarette Williams was discovered abandoned in an empty lot. Further investigation revealed that the Port Huron teen died of a heroin overdose and that she may have been saved if the person or people with her had sought medical help. However, she was abandoned during her overdose, and died.
Shortly after her death 28-year-old Valerie Mathews texted a number of her friends to tell them that she had disposed of William’s body in an abandoned lot. Police were notified. They confronted Mathews, and she led them to the body. An investigation was opened, but months went by without any resolution.
Just days ago, officers arrived at an intersection on Detroit’s east side, looking for Mathews. According to a statement released by the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office “Their investigation led them to a suspicious van. The Police followed the van and despite the activated overhead police lights, the defendant refused to pull over. The van continued throughout areas of Detroit and Hamtramck before the defendant exited the vehicle and tried to run.”
Mathews led officers on a 25 mile chase that was recorded from above by media helicopters.
She was finally intercepted when she pulled over and attempted to flee on foot. A police officer tackled her while she was attempting to scale a fence. She was wrestled to the ground and handcuffed before being transported to jail.
Mathews, who calls herself ‘VL BADD’, allegedly has a lengthy criminal record which includes retail fraud, failure to pay child support, and drug possession. In the wake of the many mile police chase through Detroit and Hamtramck, she has also been charged with Third Degree Fleeing and Eluding, punishable by up to five years in prison. There may be additional charges brought in connection with Williams’ death, although the prosecutor’s office hasn’t announced that.
At her arraignment law enforcement officials told the court that she has multiple holds in multiple jurisdictions, including out of state warrants. She was released on a $50,000, 10 percent conditional bond with a GPS tracking tether. Her next court date, a probable cause conference, has been scheduled for April 13th, with a preliminary hearing to follow on April 19th.
As experienced criminal defense attorneys in Michigan, we know how difficult it can be to get fair treatment from police and prosecutors when they think of you as nothing more than a repeat offender, or ‘career criminal’. Michigan has some of the toughest criminal laws in the county. That’s why you need an experienced and respected criminal defense attorney. Here at The Kronzek Firm we continuously defend against many of Michigan’s most serious felony charges all over the lower peninsula of Michigan. Our clients benefit from our hands on, aggressive, client based approach. We can be reached at 1 866-766-5245.