WESTTOWN, Pa. (WHTM) -- A New Jersey woman is in prison after Pennsylvania State Troopers say she struck four cars as she was fleeing police, including one with multiple young children.
Denise Dougherty, 23, of Cherry N.J., was arraigned Friday morning on felony fleeing, misdemeanor evading arrest and reckless endangerment, and a host of traffic offenses. State Police had previously misidentified Dougherty and issued a corrected statement on July 15.
State Police at Avondale said Dougherty was fleeing Westtown-East Goshen Regional Police at a high rate of speed southbound on Wilmington Pike in Thornbury Township, south of West Chester in Chester County.
During the chase, Troopers say she struck four vehicles in the intersection of West Street Road while driving a 2021 Porsche Macan.
Following the crash, Troopers say Dougherty ran and was caught following a brief foot pursuit.
The driver of a Tesla Model Y involved in the crash had a minor injury and refused transport. Three other drivers did not report injuries.
Four young children were passengers in a Volkswagen involved in the crash, with ages ranging from 6 to infancy.
Dougherty was charged with felony fleeing, misdemeanor evading arrest, and reckless endangerment by West Goshen Township Police. She was arraigned Friday morning and committed to Chester County Prison, unable to post 10% of her $50,000 bail.
State Troopers also filed several traffic citations, including reckless driving and careless driving.