Georgia woman arrested in Virginia after 100 mph police chase

ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY, Va. (WDBJ) – A Georgia woman was arrested in Virginia Friday, January 30 after a police chase, according to the Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office.

The Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office assisted Virginia State Police and the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office at 1:15 a.m. with a high-speed chase on I-81.

The pursuit originated in Augusta County and entered Rockbridge County traveling southbound on I-81, according to deputies. Deputies say the suspect was reported to be traveling at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour and driving erratically, posing a significant risk to public safety.

Officers coordinated a controlled response, including the deployment of tire deflation devices, according to deputies. Deputies say the vehicle was successfully disabled, bringing the pursuit to a safe conclusion near mile marker 197.

Melissa Lee Mathura, 43 of Mansfield, Georgia, was taken into custody and transported for medical evaluation as a precaution. She was charged in Augusta County with felony eluding, reckless driving, and driving under the influence (second offense within five years).

“This incident highlights the importance of strong inter-agency cooperation and disciplined decision-making during high-risk situations,” said Sheriff Tony McFaddin. “Thanks to the coordinated efforts of all involved agencies, this pursuit was brought to a safe conclusion and the threat to the public was minimized.”

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