Crime & Safety

Accused Drunk Driver Led Police on Chase

Township woman accused of driving through stop sign at 60mph.

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A Bethlehem Township woman who was ultimately charged with drunk driving led police on a chase along Freemansburg Avenue before she was finally apprehended on Monday night, according to court papers.

Tara Lyn Bartek, 23, of 2006 Seventh St., caught the attention of a township police officer because she was allegedly ran a stop sign while driving 60 mph along Emrick Boulevard at Baglyos Circle in her 2006 Saab 93, according to the arrest affidavit.

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Bartek did not stop her car immediately when the township officer gave pursuit in his cruiser with lights and sirens on, court papers said. She only stopped when she became boxed in behind another car as she drove west on Freemansburg Avenue.

After she was caught, Bartek admitted to police that she had a few drinks and was on prescription medicine for anxiety and depression, the warrant said. Her blood alcohol content tested to .16, twice the legal limit to drive in Pennsylvania, the warrant said.

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Bartek was charged with fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, drunk driving, reckless driving and recklessly endangering another person. She was arraigned in front of and committed to Northampton County Prison in lieu of $15,000 bail.


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