Charges: Drunk Driver Led Trooper On Chase Through Metro

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Officials say two PIT maneuvers were needed to stop a drunk driver Sunday after she allegedly led a State Patrol trooper on a chase through three metro counties.

Toni Marie Thomas, 33, of Brooklyn Park, is charged with driving while impaired and fleeing a peace officer, according to documents filed in Anoka County.

The trooper pulled Thomas over after seeing her car speeding and swerving over the lane, a criminal complaint states. When the trooper approached Thomas' car, she sped off.

The trooper gave chase and followed Thomas through Hennepin, Ramsey and Anoka counties. After doing two PIT maneuvers on Thomas' car, the chase finally ended in Coon Rapids.

When the trooper approached Thomas, she was slurring her words and had blood shot eyes, the complaint states. She was arrested and taken to Anoka County Jail, where she refused to take a breath test.

If convicted of the charges, Thomas faces up to four years in prison and more than $10,000 in fines.

Previously, Thomas was convicted of DWIs in 2008 and 2011, the criminal complaint states.