A routine traffic stop in St. Tammany Parish turned into a high-speed chase on Tuesday evening, creating tense moments for drivers on Interstate 12.
What started as an attempt to stop a suspected stolen vehicle quickly became a multi-parish pursuit involving several law enforcement agencies. The chase finally ended nearly an hour later in Livingston Parish, bringing relief to officers and commuters alike.
How the Pursuit Began in St. Tammany Parish
According to the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office (STPSO), deputies tried to stop a white Ford Fiesta shortly before 5:00 p.m. near Louisiana Highway 59 and Interstate 12.
The deputy reportedly discovered that the vehicle had been reported stolen earlier in the week from St. Tammany Parish. When officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop, the driver refused to pull over and instead sped off westbound on Interstate 12.
That decision triggered a high-speed chase involving:
- St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office
- Louisiana State Police
Witnesses along I-12 reported seeing multiple police vehicles racing westbound across parish lines.
Chase Crosses Parish Lines
The pursuit did not stay within one parish. It moved from St. Tammany Parish into Tangipahoa Parish and eventually into Livingston Parish.
During the chase, authorities say the suspect hit multiple police vehicles. Thankfully, no serious injuries were immediately reported. However, the reckless driving created a dangerous situation for officers and other motorists on the highway.
High-speed pursuits are always risky, especially during busy evening traffic hours. Law enforcement officers must carefully balance public safety with the need to stop a fleeing suspect.
Crash Near Holden Exit Ends the Pursuit
The chase finally came to an end just before 6:00 p.m. near the Holden exit on Interstate 12 in Livingston Parish. The suspect crashed the vehicle, stopping the pursuit.
The driver was identified as Tiffany Howard, 41, of Ventress. She is expected to be booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center.
Authorities say she faces multiple felony charges, including an existing warrant for theft of a motor vehicle.
Sheriff Responds to the Incident
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Randy Smith spoke about the seriousness of the situation. He stated that the suspect showed “a blatant disregard” for the safety of deputies, partner agencies, and the public traveling on the roadway.
He also praised the professionalism and teamwork between agencies that helped bring the chase to a safe conclusion.
Public Safety During Police Pursuits
Police pursuits are always high-risk operations. Officers must make quick decisions while ensuring public safety. In this case, coordination between the Sheriff’s Office and State Police played a major role in preventing a worse outcome.
Here’s a simple overview of the incident timeline:
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| Before 5:00 p.m. | Deputy attempts traffic stop near Hwy 59 & I-12 |
| Shortly after | Driver flees westbound on I-12 |
| 5:00–6:00 p.m. | Multi-parish pursuit involving STPSO and State Police |
| Just before 6:00 p.m. | Suspect crashes near Holden exit in Livingston Parish |
| After crash | Driver taken into custody |
Thankfully, the chase ended without major injuries to the public.
