Jaimye M. Southern

A vehicle pursuit across Jefferson, Keokuk and Washington Counties ended with a crash and an arrest Saturday morning. According to the Washington County Communications Office, at 4:18 a.m. Jefferson County officials reported a 27-minute pursuit ended with a wreck on Highway 78, near Birch Avenue.

According to the Jefferson County Attorney’s Office, officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop for no license plate light, a brake light being out, and the registered owner was suspended. However, the driver continued at a high rate of speed, reaching 25 miles per hour above the limit, despite officers having emergency lights and sirens activated. The driver was 25-year-old Jaimye Marie Southern of Fairfield. A deer ended the pursuit, when it was struck by Southern’s vehicle. Southern then fled on foot and was found in a field. Officers found marijuana in the vehicle.

Southern is charged with eluding law enforcement a Class D felony. Washington County Sheriff’s personnel, Brighton QRS, Washington County Ambulance, and Jefferson County authorities assisted at the scene. Southern is being held at the Jefferson County Jail.