High-speed chase ends with arrest of local woman

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LEWISTOWN - A Lewistown woman led multiple police agencies on a chase early Sunday morning through Mifflin and Centre counties.

Police said they attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Cindy M. Hassinger, 48, of Lewistown, who was traveling at a high rate of speed on Electric Avenue. Police said Hassinger refused to stop her vehicle, and she was pursued by police through the Kmart parking lot in Burnham and then onto Freedom Avenue.

Police said Hassinger then turned into 1026 Vira Road, drove through the yard of that residence and turned back towards U.S. 322. Police said they pursued Hassinger onto U.S. 322 West and attempted several times to utilize stop sticks, but Hassinger was able to drive around the them without puncturing the tires of her vehicle.

Police said a Granville Township Police officer joined the chase as it led into Centre County. State College Borough Police and Pennsylvania State Police Rockview set up stop sticks on U.S. 322 near the Oak Hall exit, which eventually punctured the front passenger tire of Hassinger's vehicle.

Police said Hassinger refused to acknowledge verbal commands and attempted to walk away from officers. Police said Hassinger resisted arrest as officers attempted to take her into custody. Police said Hassinger was arraigned and placed in the Mifflin County Correctional Facility in lieu of $50,000 bail.

Police indicated Hassinger also struck a police vehicle during the pursuit.

Police said Hassinger is charged with aggravated assault, fleeing or eluding police, recklessly endangering another person, resisting arrest, trespass by motor vehicle, duty of driver on approach of an emergency vehicle, driving vehicle at a safe speed, reckless driving and general lighting requirements.