A newly released video depicts a wild traffic stop between New Mexico police and a Black woman driving with her five children.
On October 28th, 39-year-old Oriana Ferrell was on vacation with her children when she led the cops on a pursuit that ended shortly after an officer fired three shots at the vehicle.
An ABC News report stated that the ordeal took place when Ferrell was pulled over on a state highway for driving 71 mph in a 55 mph zone.
When the officer attempted to issue Ferrell a citation for speeding, she allegedly argued with him over the $126 fine and sped off in her Kia Sedona. The officer pursued her for a short distance before she again pulled over to the side of the road. At this point the officer says Ferrell ignored his orders to exit the vehicle. A struggle began, during which Ferrell’s 14-year-old son exited the vehicle to confront the officer, but retreated when the officer drew his Taser.
Although Ferrell eventually exited the vehicle, she ran back to the driver’s side door and attempted to get back in when the officer instructed her to turn around, police said. Once additional officers arrived, one of them smashed out the passenger side window, at which time Ferrell attempted to flee.
Her failure to stop prompted another officer to fire the three shots at the vehicle.
Ferrell’s five children, aged 6 to 18, were in the minivan the entire time.
Ferrell was arrested on suspicion of intentional child abuse, fleeing and possession of drug paraphernalia. Her 14-year-old son was charged with battery of an officer.
Farrell is being held until her trial, which is scheduled for April 21st. Her other four children have been released to a family friend in New Mexico.
The identity of the officers involved have not been released, but according to New Mexico State Police Chief Pete Kassetas, an internal investigation is underway.
Watch the entire video here.