LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A Louisville woman was arrested late Tuesday night after allegedly ramming into a police patrol car during an attempted getaway following a traffic stop. The incident began when officers discovered that the vehicle Brumfield was driving had a stolen license plate, leading to a dramatic series of events that put both law enforcement and the public in danger.
According to police, the incident unfolded around 11:30 p.m. on Dixie Highway, when a Flock camera alerted officers to a vehicle with a stolen license plate in the area. Officers from the Shively Police Department conducted a stop at the intersection of Dixie Highway and Millers Lane. Upon stopping the vehicle, the passenger exited the car, but the driver—identified as 44-year-old Cristina Brumfield—refused to comply with officer requests and remained inside the vehicle.
As officers attempted to open the driver’s side door, the door handle broke off, prompting Brumfield to take drastic action. Police say Brumfield then reversed the vehicle, put it into drive, and rammed into a police cruiser, where an officer was standing next to it. While the officer was able to avoid injury, authorities noted that Brumfield’s reckless actions placed the officer’s life in immediate danger.
After striking the police vehicle, Brumfield fled the scene, driving at a high rate of speed westbound on Millers Lane. Police reported that she drove into oncoming traffic, disregarded stop signs and traffic lights, and continued her reckless path through the city.
The passenger, who later identified himself as Brumfield’s son, exited the vehicle before the chase began and was cooperative with authorities. This led to Brumfield’s identification and a subsequent manhunt. Police apprehended her shortly before midnight, and she was taken into custody at Louisville Metro Corrections.
Brumfield was already wanted on four outstanding warrants at the time of the incident. She was arraigned on April 10, facing multiple charges, including wanton endangerment of a police officer, criminal mischief, fleeing or evading police, reckless driving, theft of a motor vehicle license, and leaving the scene of an accident without rendering aid.
A judge entered a not guilty plea on Brumfield’s behalf and set a $25,000 full cash bond. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident.
This alarming case highlights the potential dangers officers face while making routine traffic stops, as well as the risks posed to the public when individuals choose to flee from law enforcement. Brumfield’s actions could lead to serious consequences, with a growing list of charges against her.
The case will continue to develop as it moves through the legal system.
