Deputies unsure what provoked car chase

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Bernalillo County Sheriff's Deputies are baffled after three women in a pickup truck led them on a high speed chase Friday night.

The deputies still don't know the reason why the high speed chased occurred.

About 15 deputies and Albuquerque Police Department officers chased the gold pickup truck during the 15 minute pursuit.

The chase started on Second Street near Paseo Del Norte just after 10:00 p.m. Friday.

A deputy spotted the truck speeding, passing cars on the wrong side and creating a dangerous situation for other drivers.

The deputy tried to catch up, but the truck was going too fast. Another deputy also tried to stop the truck, but that didn't work either.

That's when APD's helicopter was called in.

Near Central Avenue, deputies then used a spike belt which flattened three of the truck's tires, bringing it to a stop near 98th and Unser.

Police then arrested the truck's driver, Rebecca Statkez, 37.

Deputies are still trying to figure out why the truck fled.

Deputies said that using a helicopter is a major advantage during a chase because while the chopper follows, deputies can turn off their lights and sirens.

With no sirens, suspects are led to believe the pursuit is over. In this case that strategy worked. The truck slowed down, making it easier to catch.

The arrested driver faces at least one felony charge of aggravated eluding law enforcement.

No one was hurt in the chase.