OAK HILL, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A woman who admitted using Heroin leads police on a high-speed chase in Fayette County.
On September 23, 2024, a routine patrol by Oak Hill Police turned into a high-speed pursuit after officers attempted to stop a silver Toyota for traffic violations and discovered the vehicle was stolen. Patrolman PFC S.M. Wilshire was patrolling Halstead Street, a location known for frequent drug activity, when he noticed the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop for a broken registration light.
As the vehicle, driven by Tammy Gibson, approached the intersection of Halstead Street and Summerlee Road, it failed to stop at a posted stop sign and accelerated, prompting PFC Wilshire to pursue. The chase reached speeds of 70 mph in a 35 mph zone, with Gibson driving recklessly and into oncoming traffic.
The pursuit ended when Gibson pulled into the parking lot of Casto Greenhouse on Summerlee Road. PFC Wilshire conducted a felony stop, ordering both Gibson and her passenger, Billy Ayers, out of the vehicle. Gibson admitted to fleeing from law enforcement, while Ayers stated he had unsuccessfully tried to persuade her to stop.
Upon investigation, officers discovered the vehicle had been reported stolen on September 6, 2024, and Gibson’s driver’s license was expired. A K9 unit, Apollo, conducted a search of the vehicle and detected the presence of narcotics. A subsequent search revealed drug paraphernalia, including “tooters” and foil with burnt residue, commonly associated with drug use.
Gibson admitted to using heroin earlier that day and showed signs of drug impairment during roadside tests. She was arrested and transported to Southern Regional Jail after a blood draw at Plateau Medical Center.
Gibson now faces multiple charges, including fleeing with reckless indifference, possession of a stolen vehicle, and drug-related offenses.
