This offense typically involves a vehicle operator willfully fleeing from a law enforcement officer who is attempting a lawful stop or detention. The fleeing often involves reckless driving behavior that poses a significant danger to public safety, such as excessive speeding, disregarding traffic signals, or driving against the flow of traffic. For instance, a driver who ignores police lights and sirens, speeds through a residential area, and runs multiple stop signs could face these charges.
The crime addresses the heightened risk created when individuals actively evade law enforcement, endangering themselves, officers, and the public. This legal tool enables authorities to more effectively deter dangerous driving during attempted police stops and hold accountable those who create such hazards. Historically, the development of such laws reflects a growing societal concern for public safety on roadways and a recognition of the escalating dangers posed by high-speed chases. This legal provision plays a vital role in deterring dangerous behavior and ensuring public safety.
