Merced County Sheriff’s Deputies were involved in a pursuit on Highway 99 yesterday morning. Merced County Sheriff’s Deputies were on southbound 99 from the Livingston area when they passed by a vehicle that was traveling at a high-rate of speed. Deputies also saw the vehicle almost causing several accidents and swerving all over the roadway. A vehicle stop was attempted, but the suspect’s vehicle (Silver Sedan) failed to stop.
The pursuit ended in the area of Highway 99 and Franklin Road, the vehicle lost control and left the roadway crashing on top of the railroad tracks. Deputies were quick to take the driver into custody and she was identified as 24-year-old Aleigha Freitas out of Turlock. Additionally, the deputies were shocked to find a six-month-old baby strapped in a child seat in the rear passenger area of the vehicle. Freitas and the baby appeared to be fine and did not sustain any injuries.
Both Freitas and the baby were transported to a local hospital to get checked out. Freitas is being charged with felony evasion and felony child endangerment. The child was picked up by Merced County Child Protective Services and currently in their care.
