Deputies shoot woman during violent chase | Crime

A woman drove herself to the hospital after being shot by deputies during a 20 minute chase early Friday.

The Kern County Sheriff's Office received a report of a stolen van that contained ammunition and a shotgun. Deputies spotted the van about 2:20 a.m. parked in the in the area of Weedpatch Highway and Brundage Lane. Deputies approached the driver, 27-year-old Jessica Lesly, but she took off and allegedly almost ran over a deputy in the process.

The chase reached 80 mph through east Bakersfield, with Lesly allegedly trying to run deputies off the road several times.

Lesly rammed and disabled a patrol car in the area of Virginia Avenue and Layne Street, prompting Deputy Brandon Rutledge fire twice. Lesly was struck once in the upper body but continued to flee, backing into a second patrol car.

The pursuit continued with Lesly heading to Kern Medical Center. Deputies had to unleash a dog to get Lesly under control and in custody once she got out of the van at KMC.

Lesly is reportedly in stable condition. Rutledge suffered minor injuries and was placed on routine administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation.

The sheriff's office said Lesly faces possible charges of assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer, grand theft auto, possession of stolen property, possession of a controlled substance and recklessly evading an officer.

The shotgun and ammunition was recovered.