It’s not uncommon for people to attempt to avoid a traffic stop. Of course, this is often the case when they have committed crimes, such as theft. Sadly, this causes several car wrecks each year. This happened recently in New Orleans when a driver tried to get away from the police. Unfortunately, one person lost their life, and another is in critical condition. 

Running from a traffic stop can cause fatal car wrecks

According to Fox 8 Live, New Orleans police responded to a call about a shoplifting on December 11th. However, the suspect, Joneaka Smooth, had already fled before they could get there. Of course, the police soon began searching for the driver in hopes of doing a traffic stop and investigating. The driver is said to have had two accomplices in the vehicle with her. 

As police tried to conduct the traffic stop, Joneaka committed several actions that put everyone on the road at risk for car wrecks. The report says she was speeding, crossing multiple lanes, and she jumped a median. However, that’s not the worst of it. Her erratic driving led to a crash with a Toyota Camry, which had three people inside. 

Sadly, her decision to run from the police traffic stop led to the death of two girls, both of whom were only 17. There was also a 21-year-old in the car, and she’s now in critical condition. The driver is facing two counts of manslaughter and other charges. 

After the attempted traffic stop, police learned that the driver had been involved in another shoplifting incident earlier that day. The report says she walked away with $3,200 worth of Gucci scarves from Saks Fifth Avenue. This is said to have happened hours before the fatal car accident. Information has also surfaced that says the driver has a decade-long criminal history, including other instances of theft.