SMETHPORT — A Bradford woman accused of leading police officers on a high-speed chase, then crashing, pleaded guilty Thursday in McKean County Court.
Rachel S. Anderson, 25, of Bradford, entered the guilty plea to charges of fleeing or attempting to elude an officer, 10 counts of recklessly endangering another person, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, DUI-controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer said that on Sept. 23 Anderson failed to bring her vehicle to a stop when a police officer used visual and audible signals in an attempt to pull her over. A high-speed chase ensued, with Anderson driving upwards of 85 mph in speed zones that were between 25 and 45 mph zones.
The 10 counts of recklessly endangering another person represent seven police officers from Bradford City and Foster Township who were involved in the chase and three others who Anderson nearly collided with during the chase, according to Shaffer.
In Foster Township, Anderson crashed the vehicle, a 1998 Chevrolet Malibu which she was driving without consent from the owner. Also, she was DUI-controlled substance and was in possession of oxycodone hydrochloride and methamphetamine, Shaffer said.
Anderson will be sentenced Dec. 31.
Also in court, Michael S. McKendrick, 37, of DuBois, pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy-retail theft. According to Assistant District Attorney Bridget Murphy, on Dec. 13, 2019, McKendrick agreed with Ray and Brandee Ross to remove from Walmart merchandise worth at least $439.62. McKendrick will be sentenced Jan. 14.
The following people were accepted into the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program: Phillip M. Figula, 24 of Bradford, for DUI-alcohol and accident involving damage to attended vehicle or property; Colby H. Geary, 18, of McDonald, for distribute small marijuana but not for sale and possession drug paraphernalia; Dylan J. Rimer, 28, of Bradford, for DUI-controlled substance and possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia; Justina J. Ames, 21, of Bradford, DUI-controlled substance; and Anthony J. Venezia, 29, of Bradford, Michael A. Kocjancic, 27, of St. Marys, and Loren P. Wernecke, 55, of Chattaroy, Wash., all for DUI-alcohol.
