High-speed chase in Collier County ends with woman facing DUI and drug possession charges

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. —

A five-mile pursuit in Collier County ended with the arrest of 32-year-old Laken Badley, who is facing charges of DUI, fleeing police and drug possession.

Deputies said the incident began at the Kings Lake Square shopping center off Davis Boulevard, where they attempted a traffic stop after noticing Badley reportedly traveling through the white strip at a red light. Badley is accused of refusing to stop, initiating the pursuit.

The chase briefly paused at Santa Barbara Boulevard and Davis Boulevard when a red light stopped Badley. Deputies said they ordered her to stick her hands outside the vehicle, but she reportedly did not comply and drove away again.

After a failed pit maneuver, deputies followed Badley until she stopped at the Edge75 apartment complex off Bedzel Circle.

During the chase, deputies said Badley reached speeds of over 70 mph on Davis Boulevard, where the speed limit is 45 mph.

"I think reckless driving, I mean, it’s dangerous and it is so selfish," Naples resident Tracy Waugh said.

"That’s crazy that she was able to do that without injuring anybody," said Poppy Clarke, another Naples resident. "High-speed chase on Davis Boulevard? You got to be crazy."

Deputies said that when they caught up to Badley, they smelled alcohol on her breath and conducted a field sobriety exercise. Later, jail staff found a cape with THC reportedly in her possession.

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