Charges In Chase Discussed

by Breanna Fuss, Reporter
October 22, 2012 5:43 PM


Trooper Andrew Steen remained in critical but stable condition Monday night. He was injured last Wednesday during a high-speed chase in Sioux Falls. The woman accused of hitting the trooper with her car is facing a long list of charges.

“We have filed a complaint alleging numerous felony charges and we will continue to work together in our efforts to hold this individual accountable for those criminal acts on that early morning,” said Tom Wollman, Lincoln County State’s Attorney.

It was a high-speed chase that lasted 20 minutes. It started on the west side of Sioux Falls at a green light that 25-year-old Rachel Coleman sat through.

After Coleman failed to stop after seeing emergency lights, the chase began.

It stopped at Windsor Heights Apartments where she lives, went through The Empire Mall parking lot, and then to Bridges Shopping Center at 57th and Western.  

According to court documents, Coleman attempted to hit Steen with her silver Chevy Malibu at the center. Officers shot at her as she tried to flee,  and then she hit Steen with her car.

According to police, Coleman fled, crashed her car at 47th and Western, and now faces numerous felony charges.  
 
“ We hold offenders accountable for in each county in situations where crimes have been committed in both counties,” said Wollman.

The charges Coleman faces once she is out of the hospital and her arrest warrant can be served are some that can lead to years in prison.

"The attempted murder in the first degree is a class two felony that could be punishable by up to 25 years at the South Dakota Penitentiary and or a $50,000 fine,” Wollman said.

Coleman faces a long list of possible charges including: aggravated assault against a law enforcement officer, vehicular battery, and felony hit and run. Also, aggravated eluding and a DUI- which could lead to more charges since this would be her fourth.

Authorities continue to be tight lipped about Coleman’s condition.

Meanwhile Taco John’s in Sioux Falls announced Monday that on October 29th, from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. 50 percent of their breakfast sales will go to Trooper Steen’s medical fund.

For more information on go you can go to Taco John’s Facebook page.