Woman leads officers on brief chase after entering fire scene

(ABC 6 News) – A woman was arrested late Tuesday evening after leading officers on a chase, following an incident at the scene of an unrelated business fire.

Samantha Ricke was arrested after fleeing the scene of a fire at Japan Panda after driving up to the location, according to Austin police.

While crews were on the scene, a vehicle driven by Ricke drove around a squad car that was blocking off the street. She then entered the fire scene and drove up to one of the active fire hoses before stopping.

Police say officers attempted to talk with her, but police say she ultimately reversed at a high rate of speed squealing their tires as they exited the scene. When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, Ricke stopped initially before once again leaving while spinning their tires out.

Officers followed with lights and sirens on, trying to once again get the vehicle to stop. It again did so on 8th Ave NW. However again, the driver fled, and due to the speed at this time, the Austin Police Department ended the pursuit.

The Mower County Sheriff’s Office did locate the car almost immediately and attempted to stop it.

Ricke was arrested in a parking lot at the intersection of 1st Dr. NW and 4th St. NW. She was placed in the Mower County jail after being processed for a suspected DWI by the MCSO.

Ricke is being held awaiting charging by the Mower County Attorney’s Office.