The suspect who was driving a Jeep on eastbound I-80 that dragged a California Highway Patrol officer is facing attempted murder among other charges.
According to CHP San Francisco, authorities first made contact with the driver, 34-year-old Nicole Kristine Wade from Pittsburgh, California, Friday just after 5 p.m. on eastbound I-80 east of 4th Street.
Officials say Wade handed over a California Driver’s License that was not hers. When asked for more information on her identity, authorities say Wade started to walk back to her car, with the officer following her as she opened the driver’s side door.
Authorities say Wade got inside the car in an attempt to flee the scene. At this time, the officer tried to gain the upper hand but remained inside the car as Wade sped off “reaching speeds of up to 35 to 40 mph,” according to a statement issued Saturday afternoon.
Authorties say the officer continued trying to gain control when Wade turned the Jeep to try and divert the officer.
Authorities say about a quarter mile later, the Jeep hit the back of another vehicle, then collided with the right side of a concrete bridge rail.
Wade tried to escape again but this time was unsuccessful due to the damage to the car.
Officials say the officer was taken to a local hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. He has since been released.
Three adult passengers in the car were released and a child was turned over to Child Protection Services.
Wade has been booked into the San Francisco County Jail on charges including attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, child endangerment, and reckless evading.
Officials say Wade also had three outstanding warrants out of Contra Costa County.