ATLANTIC CITY - Already wanted on an active warrant and driving with a suspended license, an Atlantic City woman allegedly triggers two car crashes - one involving an off-duty police officer - before being tracked down behind a dumpster, according to police.

Destinee Carpenter, 19, is charged with eluding, contempt of court, driving while suspended, improper use of a horn, improper passing, leaving the scene of an accident, failure to report an accident, careless driving and reckless driving, for the episode that erupted Wednesday afternoon.

According to police, Sergeant Jody Hersh, still in uniform but freshly off-duty, was in his personal car and stopped for a red traffic signal on Arctic Avenue at about 3:11 PM, and listening to the constant blaring of an auto horn to his rear.

Near Texas Avenue School, during student dismissal, he resumed driving and watched the car speed behind his, by using the parking lane and shoulder.

Police said that Carpenter, behind the wheel, resumed leaning on the horn, and Hersh stopped, under the impression that an emergency might be taking place. Carpenter's car allegedly banged the rear of his car.

Hersh approached Carpenter, who shouted for him to move his vehicle, threw her car in reverse, and sped away, nearly grazing the sergeant and a passing car, police said.

With Hersh and responding officers now following, Carpenter turned on to Mississippi Avenue, hit another car, and drove on, police said. The 17-year-old driver was treated for non-life-threatening injuries at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center's City Division, police said.

Using information from witnesses, Officers Alberto Valles and Chris Dodson found Carpenter's car outside Angelo's Fairmount Tavern, and Carpenter behind the trash bin in the lot.

She was released on a summons to await a court date, under terms of New Jersey's bail reform statutes.

Police seek more information. Witnesses are urged to call the ACPD's Accident Investigaitons Secion, 609-347-5744, or send a confidential, anonymous text to tip411 (847411). Use the letters ACPD to begin the text.

 

Charges are accusations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless, and until, found guilty in a court of law.

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