A 45-year-old Key West woman driving a sport utility vehicle with three children inside and refusing to stop for Monroe County Sheriff’s Office deputies and other law enforcement officers was arrested Tuesday afternoon after the SUV’s tires were spiked on U.S. 1.
Shauna Coleen Coulson was charged with fleeing and eluding and three counts of child abuse.
The children — ages 7, 11 and 12 — were not injured and turned over to the care of the Department of Children and Families.
Multiple motorists on U.S. 1 began calling 911 about 12:15 p.m. to report a northbound silver Kia SUV that was driving erratically on U.S. 1 in Marathon. The SUV was reportedly driving into oncoming traffic and had on its flashing yellow lights. Items such as a bag were also reportedly seen being thrown from the SUV. The SUV was spotted by Key Colony Beach Officer Jefferson Rodriguez, who attempted a traffic stop at Mile Marker 54.
The SUV failed to stop as Sheriff’s Office deputies and other law enforcement officers pursued it northbound. The SUV drove into oncoming traffic while reaching speeds of 75 mph, according to reports. Items continued to be ejected out the SUV window. Deputies deployed spikes near Mile Marker 61 and two of the SUV tires were flattened. The SUV continued northbound, but eventually stopped at Mile Marker 62.5 in the center of the highway on the double yellow line.
The driver, identified as Coulson, was detained at that time and DCF was notified. There were also a cat and a dog in the SUV. The Florida Keys Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals took custody of the animals. The animals did not appear to be injured.
Coulson was taken to jail.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission also took part in the pursuit.