Woman Arrested in Tribeca Following Car Chase Through Holland Tunnel

A driver who allegedly took off after being stopped in Jersey City is taken into custody on West Street in Tribeca following pursuit by Port Authority police. Photo: Carl Glassman/Tribeca Trib 

A car chase by Port Authority police through the Holland Tunnel ended on West Street at Harrison in Tribeca Tuesday morning. The driver, a 26-year-old New Jersey woman, was carrying her two children in the car, authorities said.

Officials said Port Authority police first stopped the woman in Jersey City shortly before 8 a.m. for multiple traffic infractions, including reckless driving. But after refusing to provide credentials she drove off with the children, with police in pursuit, the Port Authority said. 

According to a criminal complaint by the Manhattan District Attorney’s office, the driver, identified as Michele Anderson, ignored orders to pull over from a police cruiser that was tailing her Nissan Sentra. Instead, the complaint said, she continued her flight, weaving around cars and “changing lanes rapidly,” forcing some 25 drivers out of her path.

After being stopped on West Street, police used their vehicles to box in the car. Anderson remained in the car for nearly an hour as a male officer, then a female officer, spoke to her through the driver’s side window. It took about 10 minutes before Anderson agreed to roll down the window, according to the complaint. After finally emerging from the car, the suspect shouted defiantly as police placed her in custody. 

Authorities did not give the ages of the children but said neither child was wearing a seatbelt or in the one car seat, which was on its side.

Family members were notified and took custody of the children, according to the Port Authority.

Among the charges against Williams are two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, unlawful fleeing a police officer, and reckless driving. Charges for alleged driving-related infractions in New Jersey are pending. New York County Defender Services attorney Melissa Sopher, who represented Anderson at arraignment, declined to comment.

A judge released Anderson on her own recognizance. Her next court appearance is on Jan. 12.