FRESNO, Calif. — What began as a reported hit-and-run near a Fresno intersection quickly turned into a chaotic highway incident after police said a 41-year-old woman drove away with two children inside her vehicle.

The Fresno Police Department said officers were initially looking for Brooke Smith following a crash near Shields and Fowler avenues at approximately 6:07 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29.

Instead of the incident ending at the original crash scene, Smith allegedly continued driving. Police later spotted her vehicle traveling west on Highway 180, where authorities said the driving became increasingly dangerous.

A Fresno police helicopter was brought in to track the vehicle from above as officers monitored the situation.

Police Helicopter Tracks Allegedly Dangerous Driving

From the air, police reportedly observed the vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and making a series of dangerous maneuvers.

According to police, Smith was allegedly driving along the highway shoulder, tailgating other vehicles and sideswiping another car during the drive.

The reported behavior created a dangerous situation not only for the people inside Smith’s vehicle but also for other motorists traveling on the highway.

With the vehicle continuing west, officers and the helicopter kept track of its movements until the drive finally came to an abrupt end.

Police said the vehicle crashed into a guardrail near the Blackstone and Abby Avenue exit. The crash brought the chaotic drive to a stop and immediately shifted the focus to the two children who were inside the vehicle.

Child Runs to Officer for Help After Crash

One of the juvenile passengers reportedly scrambled out of the crashed vehicle and ran toward an officer for help. Police said the child had visible head injuries following the collision.

A second juvenile passenger also reported experiencing pain from the crash.

The exact relationship between Smith and the two children has not been disclosed, and authorities have not indicated whether Smith was their mother or guardian.

The condition of the children following the incident was not provided in the information released by police. The situation prompted officers to focus on both the alleged impaired driving and the safety of the juveniles who had been inside the vehicle.

Police Say Driver Showed Signs of Impairment

Following the crash, officers said Smith showed several signs that she may have been impaired. According to police, she allegedly smelled strongly of alcohol, slurred her speech and had difficulty standing upright.

Those observations led investigators to suspect that alcohol and drugs may have played a role in the incident. Smith was subsequently arrested on multiple allegations stemming from the crash and the dangerous drive.

Police said she was booked into the Fresno County Jail.

California Woman Faces Multiple Charges

Smith is facing suspicion of DUI involving drugs and alcohol, reckless driving, hit-and-run and felony child endangerment.

The charges reflect the different elements of the incident, from the original reported collision to the alleged behavior on Highway 180 and the presence of two juveniles in the vehicle.

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Investigators will ultimately determine the circumstances surrounding the initial crash, Smith’s decision to leave the scene and what happened during the subsequent drive.

Authorities will also continue examining the circumstances involving the children and their injuries.

Investigation Continues After Chaotic Drive

The incident remains under investigation as authorities work to establish the full sequence of events.

For now, the case highlights how quickly an alleged impaired-driving incident can escalate into a much larger public safety emergency.

What began near Shields and Fowler avenues ended miles away after a police helicopter tracked the vehicle and officers responded to a crash near Blackstone and Abby Avenue.

The presence of the two juveniles has added another serious dimension to the case, particularly after one child reportedly had to run to an officer for assistance following the collision.

Smith remains accused of the offenses, and the allegations against her have not been proven in court.

What do you think about the charges facing Smith after the chaotic drive with two juveniles in the vehicle? Share your thoughts in the comments below.