On a Sunday morning along I-79 in Bridgeport, West Virginia, a significant incident unfolded. Ashlee White was parked on the berm of Route 50 near the I-79 North entrance ramp at around 11 a.m., with her head on the steering wheel seemingly asleep. According to the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, this was the scene that led to a series of events.

Initial Encounter and Circumstances

When deputies approached the vehicle, White claimed she was just passing through and had run out of gas. However, a closer look revealed a concerning situation. Three children were crawling around in the vehicle, with broken and unsafe car seats. Moreover, White did not have the appropriate number of approved car seats for the children. This raised serious concerns about child neglect.Deputies were not alone in responding to the scene. West Virginia State Police also arrived, along with an officer and a K-9 from the White Hall Police Department. The K-9 indicated the presence of illicit substances in the vehicle, prompting deputies to ask White to step out.

Chase and Dangerous Driving

At that critical moment, White grabbed her child and made a statement before getting back into the car and driving onto I-79 North toward Fairmont. She then continued to flee from police, weaving in and out of traffic and crossing all lanes. This reckless behavior put not only herself but also other motorists at great risk.Deputies described how two of the children were constantly crawling around the vehicle during the chase, and White was clinging onto the third child. The situation became increasingly dangerous as she evaded capture.

Discovery of Contraband

Inside the vehicle, a white powder that tested positive for fentanyl was found all over the floor. Additionally, two loaded firearms were discovered, along with several AR-15 style magazines filled with ammunition. These findings added to the severity of the situation and the charges against White.White is now facing three counts of child neglect creating a risk of injury and one count of fleeing with reckless disregard for public safety. She is currently being held in the North Central Regional Jail, with a bond set at $500,000.This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring the safety of children and following traffic laws. It also highlights the actions taken by law enforcement to handle such dangerous situations and protect the community.