Collette Berkman and the Mobile Phone

Blaine County Sheriff's Office Daily Report-November 19, 2016

Deputy John Jimenez of the Blaine County Sheriff's Office was responding to a call of a suspicious red Bati in Paleto Bay. When the vehicle was located, it was found to be blocking the road. The driver, identified as Collette Berkman, was also not wearing a motorcycle helmet. As Deputy Jimenez attempted to perform a traffic stop on the vehicle, Berkman stopped for about 5 seconds and decided to speed off without letting the Deputy step out of his patrol cruiser. Multiple SAHP units were then called in  as pursuit backup. Two roadblocks were called in  as well on the Great Ocean Highway, but Berkman bypassed both of them. Fearing that Berkman would speed off to Los Santos, Deputy Jimenez called for an air unit to keep sight of her. When Berkman was attempting to cross the highway bridge to Los Santos County, the Bati suddenly malfunctioned. Berkman was then propelled about 50 feet backwards into the air before losing consciousness  on impact. An ambulance from the LSFD Paramedic Unit was called shortly afterwards, and Deputy Jimenez investigated the crash. When he came up to Berkman's body, he found a mobile smartphone near her, indicating that she was using her phone while driving.  Medics performed CPR on Berkman, which rendered her back to consciousness. She is currently being housed at the Mount Zonah Medical Center in stable condition. After treatment, she will be housed at the Los Santos County Jail on the charges of: Failure to Yield to an Emergency Vehicle, Evading a Peace Officer, Resisting Arrest,  Reckless Driving, Not Wearing a Safety Helmet, and Using a Mobile Phone While Driving.