Preliminary hearing set for June 20, Suspect Faces Multiple Charges
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced that a woman has been charged with leading police on a high-speed pursuit through Los Angeles, culminating in a multi-vehicle crash on the northbound 405 Freeway on May 17. The woman drove the wrong way on the freeway and finally came to a stop when she ran into a big rig truck right before the Wilshire exit in Brentwood. Her face was bloodied as she was taken into custody.
“I am grateful that the civilians and law enforcement officers involved in this reckless incident were not seriously harmed,” Gascón said. “Reckless driving and endangering the lives of others is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated in our community. Our office will work to hold the responsible individual accountable for their actions.”
Lisa Ann Heflin, 41, has been charged with 10 counts of assault upon a peace officer, four counts of assault with a deadly weapon, one count of fleeing a pursuing peace officer while driving recklessly, and one count of hit-and-run driving resulting in property damage. Heflin is 41 years old and from Oakview, Missouri although she had been living in her van in Venice as reported by the Los Angeles Times.
Heflin pleaded not guilty to all charges at her arraignment on May 22. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 20 in Department 31 of the Airport Courthouse.
The incident began on May 17 around 4:30 a.m. when officers from the LAPD’s Pacific Division responded to a disturbance call at 3d and Rose Avenues. Upon encountering Heflin, she allegedly got into her vehicle, crashed into a police car, and led officers on a 30-minute chase through Venice Beach, Santa Monica, and West Los Angeles before entering the 405 Freeway and colliding with multiple vehicles.
During the pursuit, five police vehicles, two civilian vehicles, and a tractor-trailer were damaged. The District Attorney’s press release said, “Fortunately, no significant injuries were reported.” However, the Los Angeles Times stated that nine LAPD officers were injured during the chase.
If convicted on all charges, Heflin faces a maximum sentence of 22 years and eight months in state prison. Bail has been set at $695,000. The LAPD is investigating the case.
