A California woman allegedly turned a hit-and-run into a terrifying highway ordeal, speeding down the road with two children inside before crashing into a guardrail, police said.
Brooke Smith, 41, was first sought after a crash near Shields and Fowler avenues in Fresno at around 6:07 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 29, according to the Fresno Police Department.
Police said Smith allegedly fled the scene with two juveniles still inside her vehicle.
Officers later spotted the car heading west on Highway 180, where the situation quickly became even more dangerous.
A Fresno police helicopter began tracking the vehicle from above and allegedly saw Smith speeding, driving along the shoulder, tailgating other drivers and sideswiping another vehicle.
The chaotic drive came to an end near the Blackstone and Abby Avenue exit when Smith slammed into a guardrail, police said.
After the crash, one of the juvenile passengers reportedly scrambled out of the vehicle and ran toward an officer for help.
Police said the child had visible injuries to the head.
A second juvenile passenger also complained of pain following the wreck.
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Authorities have not said what relationship Smith had to the two children inside the vehicle.
Officers said Smith appeared impaired after the crash.
According to police, she smelled strongly of alcohol, slurred her speech and struggled to stand upright.
Smith was arrested on suspicion of DUI involving drugs and alcohol, reckless driving, hit-and-run and felony child endangerment.
She was later booked into the Fresno County Jail.
Police have not released additional information about the condition of the two children.
