A Prescott police officer was conducting a traffic stop on Highway 89 Thursday just after 9 p.m. near the Watson Lake lookout parking lot. The officer had exited his patrol vehicle and requested the driver pull into the parking lot.
As the officer went back to his patrol vehicle, another vehicle heading northbound collided with the driver’s side of the patrol vehicle, causing significant damage. The suspect vehicle almost struck the officer as he was in the roadway. The suspect vehicle left the scene of the accident heading northbound on Highway 89 toward Chino Valley.
Through the course of the investigation and using license plate reader technology, investigating officers were able to obtain a license plate from the suspect vehicle. Prescott police officers then went to the home of the registered owner, who was not present at the time. A short time later, the owner arrived . Officers noticed the suspect vehicle had damage consistent with evidence left at the scene, and the driver, identified as Prescott resident Vanessa Sin, was placed under arrest after showing signs of impairment.
Sin was booked into the Yavapai County Jail on charges of Felony Aggravated Assault, Felony Endangerment, Felony Criminal Damage, DUI, and Leaving the scene of an accident. No one was injured in this incident.
Prescott Police want to remind the public that when an officer is conducting a traffic stop, slow down and move over to give the officer room to safely do their job.