High-speed chase through two counties ends with arrest of Hannibal woman on multiple charges

MOZIER, Ill. — A high-speed chase through Calhoun County and Pike County ended with the arrest of a Hannibal woman.

A deputy with the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Department attempted to conduct a traffic stop at 7:20 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 19, in Mozier on a white 2008 Pontiac G6. As a result of the attempted stop, the driver of the Pontiac fled from law enforcement at speeds exceeding 100 mph traveling northbound on Illinois 96.  

The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Department notified the Pike County Sheriff’s Department and Pleasant Hill Police Department of the fleeing vehicle coming into their jurisdiction. Law enforcement officials from both departments deployed stop sticks in an attempt to stop the fleeing motorist.

The suspect’s vehicle passed Pleasant Hill High School at speeds exceeding 80 mph, then abruptly turned west onto Market Street in Pleasant Hill. After failing to stop at a stop sign at the intersection of Market and Mosier, the fleeing vehicle then struck a parked unoccupied car in the 500 block of Carolina. The vehicle spun out of control into the front yard of a separate residence in the 500 block of Carolina.

The driver, identified as Theresa Ann Sherfy, 48, of Hannibal, Mo., attempted to flee on foot, but she was apprehended by Pike County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Zack Orr.  

After an investigation, it was discovered that Sherfy fled from Calhoun County law enforcement officials with a young child in the vehicle. Before the officers’ arrival on scene, Sherfy left the child with a resident and attempted to flee on foot.

Pike County EMS and the Pleasant Hill Fire Department were dispatched to the scene. No injuries were reported.  

Sherfy is lodged in the Pike County Jail on the following charges:

• Aggravated DUI (fifth or subsequent offense),
• Felony driving while license revoked,
• Obstructing justice,
• Child endangerment,
• Improper use of registration,
• Unlawful possession of weapons by a felon,
• Unlawful possession of adult-use cannabis in a motor vehicle by a driver,
• Disobeying a traffic control device,
• Operating an uninsured motor vehicle,
• Squealing tires,
• Speeding (more than 40 mph too fast),
• Stolen, altered or forged temporary registration permit and
• Reckless driving. 

Sherfy is charged in Calhoun County with the following offenses:

• Aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer,
• Felony driving while license revoked,
• Unlawful possession of weapons by a felon,
• Speeding (105/55),
• Reckless driving,
• Child endangerment,
• Disobeying a stop sign,
• No rear registration light and
• Loud muffler.  

The Pike County Sheriff’s Department, Pleasant Hill Police Department, and Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office were assisted by the Pleasant Hill Fire Department, Pike County Ambulance Service and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.