Driver involved in crash with deputy now in custody

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla.- The driver who was involved in a serious crash with a Collier County deputy is now in the Collier County Jail.

Vanessa Wagenman, 32, is facing several charges including fleeing and eluding police, reckless driving, driving with a suspended license and possession of drug paraphenlia after deputies found a crack pipe and scale in her car.

Florida Highway Patrol Troopers say Wagenman was trying to flee deputies when she ran a stop sign at Lee Street and New Market Road  in Immokalee early Sunday morning. She crashed into Deputy Maria Raley’s patrol car, causing it to flip.

Raley was flown to Lee Memorial Hospital with serious injuries. She is now listed in fair condition.

A Collier County arrest report says Wagenman was swerving in and out of traffic on Immokalee Road, causing other drivers to leave the roadway.

A witness started following her and called 911. The witness told deputies he first approached the car when it was sitting in the opposite lane of traffic. He says it looked like a woman, who he identified as Wagenman, was unconscious at the wheel. Then she took off.

Deputies say the chase lasted 4 miles, with Wagenman evading a deputy with his lights and sirens activated, trying to pull her over. She ran several stops signs according to the report, and then crashed into Deputy Raley’s vehicle.