High Speed Chase Starts in Carson City, Ends in South Lake Tahoe

A South Lake Tahoe woman is behind bars on felony charges of evading, assault with a deadly weapon, driving under the influence and driving on a suspended license after leading officers from several different agencies on a high speed chase from Carson City to South Lake Tahoe on Sunday evening.

Carson City Sheriff's officers attempted to pull over Samantha Randazzo, 32, just before 6 p.m. near the Carson Station on suspicion of drunk driving. Refusing to pull over, Randazzo led the officers on a chase through Carson City. CCSO was joined by NHP as the vehicle headed up Highway 50 over Spooner Summit. Douglas County Sheriff's officers joined in the chase as Randazzo drove towards Zephyr Cove, NV. Her speed was estimated at 70 mph at times over the mountain.

As she crossed the state line into California, the South Lake Tahoe Police Department joined in the pursuit. Due to traffic in the area she was forced to reduce her speed to 35 mph-40 mph. According to Sgt. Shannon Laney of SLTPD who was in pursuit, Randazzo hit about 50 mph as she went through the Ski Run Blvd intersection with Highway 50.

A car stopped at a red light on Highway 50 and Tallac Avenue caused Randazzo to stop so a Carson City Sheriff's officer was able to pull his car in front of her. She rammed his vehicle in an attempt to escape but was unable to.

A Carson City officer was injured in the accident which resulted in the assault with a deadly weapon charges. He was treated and released. A second officer injured his hand as he broke the passenger's side window in Randazzo's car in an attempt to open the driver's side door. The names of the officers were not released.

Randazzo is being held in the El Dorado County Jail in South Lake Tahoe. Her bail is $112,500.