Deputies Say Drunken Woman Leads Them On Chase Before Crashing Her Car

A Sarasota woman suspected of DUI is recovering at Blake Trauma Center after she led deputies on a high speed chase along State Road 70 and crashed her car in a ditch, according to a Manatee County Sheriff's report. 

Michelle Haddad, 30, Marlin Lakes Circle in Sarasota, was listed in stable condition this morning at Blake Hospital.

According to a Manatee County Sheriff's report:

Deputy Mark Pearson saw Haddad run a stop light at Lakewood Ranch Boulevard and State Road 70 shortly before Midnight Monday. She was heading east on State Road 70, going about 65 miles per hour.

Pearson tried to catch up to Haddad when he saw her vehicle swerve across three lanes. He then saw her run the red light at State Road 70 and Lorraine Road.

Peason, who suspected Haddad was drunk, tried to pull her over. Haddad sped away, gradually speeding up while still swerving. Pearson said there was no pedestrian traffic and that pursuit speeds did not exceed 80 miles per hour.

Haddad drove off of the road and into the grass travelling nearly one-third of a mile before hitting a ditch and rolling the vehicle onto its roof. Rescue workers responded to the accident and Haddad was taken to Blake Medical Center where she is listed in stable condition.