Florida woman pepper-sprayed, arrested after reckless driving confrontation

A 23-year-old woman accused of driving recklessly, repeatedly fleeing traffic stops and trying to push through police vehicles was arrested after deputies used pepper spray to remove her from an SUV, authorities said.

The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office said the incident began Monday afternoon when a motorist approached Deputy M. Davis on Southwest Archer Road and reported seeing a gray Nissan SUV being driven erratically on U.S. 441 and Interstate 75.

The witness said the driver appeared to be endangering herself and other motorists.

Deputies identified the driver as Jennifer Dotzler.

According to the sheriff’s office, Davis located the SUV entering northbound I-75 from Southwest Archer Road and observed Dotzler commit several traffic violations that affected other vehicles, including a semi-truck.

Davis attempted to stop the SUV near mile marker 385, but investigators said Dotzler refused to pull over and continued driving recklessly. Deputies ended the pursuit after she exited the interstate near mile marker 390 because continuing did not meet the agency’s pursuit-policy criteria.

A short time later, Davis reportedly spotted Dotzler stopped at a red light. He activated his emergency equipment and used his vehicle’s public-address system to order her to pull over, but she again drove away, the sheriff’s office said.

Caption: A 23-year-old woman was arrested after deputies said she repeatedly fled traffic stops, drove recklessly through traffic and tried to escape a police blockade. (Alachua County Sheriff)

Deputies later located the SUV on Northwest U.S. 441 near I-75. With help from the Alachua Police Department, officers attempted another traffic stop.

Dotzler again fled, according to investigators, driving across multiple lanes and forcing several motorists to take evasive action. Authorities said she also drove through an active construction zone, endangering drivers and workers.

See also: 335,000 high-dose oxy pills, cash-only: South Florida pharmacy owner found guilty by jury

Deputies and police officers then used vehicle-containment tactics to immobilize the SUV.

The sheriff’s office said Dotzler refused repeated commands to get out and attempted to escape by accelerating into the law enforcement vehicles surrounding her.

Deputies approached the SUV and sprayed oleoresin capsicum, commonly known as pepper spray, inside the vehicle. Dotzler then got out and was taken into custody.

Investigators later determined that Dotzler had allegedly been under the influence of narcotics for multiple days, according to the sheriff’s office.

She was arrested on charges of fleeing or eluding law enforcement with lights and sirens activated, fleeing or eluding with disregard for public safety and resisting an officer without violence. Jail records show she is being held on $330,000 bail.