SANTA FE, N.M. — A Santa Fe woman is facing multiple charges after police say she fled from a traffic stop and drove through an active construction zone on Interstate 25.
According to the Santa Fe Police Department, the incident began at approximately 5:33 p.m. Tuesday near Richards Avenue and Interstate 25 when a traffic officer observed a vehicle traveling about 60 miles per hour in the left lane of a 75-mile-per-hour zone, allegedly impeding traffic.
Police said the driver, identified as 65-year-old Della Gomez, failed to stop when the officer attempted a traffic stop. Investigators say Gomez continued northbound despite emergency lights, sirens, and verbal commands issued through a public address system.
Authorities said Gomez allegedly weaved between lanes and entered an active construction zone near mile marker 286, where she drove into a lane closed to traffic. Police say road crews and equipment were present at the time. Investigators allege Gomez alternated between open and closed lanes and struck several construction barrels before continuing north.
Additional officers responded to assist, and the pursuit continued past the Eldorado exit. Police said Gomez eventually drove into the interstate median near mile marker 297 and appeared to be attempting to turn around or enter oncoming traffic.
Officers conducted a blocking maneuver and ordered Gomez to exit the vehicle. According to police, she initially refused and attempted to flee again by placing the vehicle in reverse, making contact with a police vehicle behind her.
Gomez was ultimately taken into custody without further incident.
She was transported to a local hospital for medical clearance before being booked into the Santa Fe County Adult Detention Center.
Gomez is charged with:
- Aggravated Fleeing a Law Enforcement Officer
- Driving While License is Suspended or Revoked
- Impeding Traffic
- Failure to Obey Traffic Control Devices in a Construction Zone
