Sierra Vista Police Stop Turns into Pursuit

A routine traffic stop in Sierra Vista escalated into a short pursuit on Tuesday. A driver fled when officers attempted to confiscate her suspended license plate after discovering she didn't have insurance on the vehicle. The stop occurred near 7th Street and Wilcox Drive shortly after noon.

Why Officers Confiscated the Plate

According to the Sierra Vista Police Department (SVPD), the vehicle’s license plate was suspended due to a lack of insurance. Under Arizona law, officers have no discretion in these cases. Arizona Revised Statute 28-4139C states: Suspended license plates shall be confiscated at the time of the citation.

SVPD spokesperson Cpl. Scott Borgstadt explained, “We can’t allow uninsured vehicles to remain on the road. If that car gets into a crash, the City could be liable.”

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Charges After the Chase

When told by the police that her plate would be removed and the car would be parked until it was insured, the driver fled. The pursuit lasted about two minutes and ended on Berridge Drive, where officers arrested her without incident.

As the investigation continued, police discovered more serious issues. The driver was charged with aggravated DUI because a child under 15 was in the vehicle. Additional charges include unlawful flight from law enforcement, reckless driving, and child endangerment.

The driver put herself, her child, and the public at risk, and she was booked into the Cochise County Jail. The child was released to a family member.