KTIV NewsChannel 4 Sioux City IA: News, Weather and SportsSD Patrol says chase in fatal crash justified
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Associated Press - October 27, 2009 8:05 AM ET
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - The South Dakota Highway Patrol is defending its actions in a weekend chase in Sioux Falls that ended with a woman's death.
Patrol Lt. Alan Welsh says the trooper who gave chase had few options available, and there was no time for backup to arrive.
Twenty-3-year-old Tiana Leamons died early Sunday after her car smashed into trees and rolled following a chase that authorities say reached speeds of more than 90 mph on city streets.
Authorities say Leamons had several outstanding warrants, and the trooper suspected her of drunken driving. Blood test results are not expected for about a week.
Sioux Falls police are investigating the crash, a move Welsh says the patrol takes whenever an accident involves a trooper's actions.
Information from: Argus Leader, http://www.argusleader.com
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