Mom who drove van of kids charged again in NM pursuit

New charges have been filed against a Tenn. woman in a chaotic 2013 traffic stop and chase during which a NM officer fired shots at her minivan

November 21, 2014 11:20 AM

This file image from video provided by the New Mexico State Police shows three New Mexico State Police officers reacting as a minivan driven by motorist Oriana Farrell pulls away from a traffic stop on Oct. 28, 2013.

Associated Press

TAOS, N.M. — New charges have been filed against a Tennessee woman in a chaotic 2013 traffic stop and chase during which a New Mexico State Police officer fired shots at her minivan full of children.

A Taos County grand jury Thursday indicted 40-year-old Oriana Farrell of Memphis on fleeing and child abuse charges. An appeals court dismissed previous charges, saying a prosecutor shouldn’t have been involved in excusing a grand jury member.

The officer shot at Farrell’s van carrying her five children after she twice sped off and was stopped by another officer for speeding near the tourist town of Taos. Video of the shooting gained national attention, and the officer was later fired.

Defense attorney Alan Maestas says the charges aren’t justified but that he’s willing to discuss a plea bargain.