Michigan: Teen nearly hit state trooper while driving drunk, prosecutor says

Nikki J. Cortez faces three felonies and two misdemeanors in an early Monday, March 7, incident that began at North Michigan and Throop on Saginaw's West Side. Saginaw County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Boyd said troopers were in that area after responding to a call regarding an assault. While the troopers were on scene, a Ford SUV approached their vehicle and showed no signs of stopping, Boyd said.

The troopers exited their vehicle to try to get the vehicle to stop, but it did not and nearly struck Trooper Patrick Miller, Boyd said. The vehicle continued on its path, and the troopers gave chase, Boyd said.

Police eventually were able to stop the vehicle they say was driven by Cortez, Boyd said. Police used a Taser to subdue her after she stopped, Boyd said.

Police took Cortez to a Saginaw hospital to obtain a blood draw to test her blood-alcohol content, Boyd said. At the hospital, Cortez became disorderly and assaulted a nurse, Boyd said. Police have not said what the blood-alcohol test showed.

Cortez faces felony charges of felonious assault, or assault with a dangerous weapon, third-degree fleeing from a police officer, and resisting and obstructing a police officer. The fleeing charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, while felonious assault carries a four-year maximum penalty.

Cortez also faces misdemeanor counts of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated and assault and battery.

In arraigning Cortez on Tuesday, March 8, District Judge A.T. Frank entered a not guilty plea on her behalf and released her on a $10,000 personal recognizance bond that requires her to report daily to authorities.

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