Salida woman arrested after pursuit faces multiple charges, including elder abuse
A Salida woman was arrested and faces several charges, including elder abuse, according to the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department.
According to a June 26 Sheriff’s Office Facebook post, deputies responded to an undisclosed Salida address just after 6:45 p.m. on April 30 for a reported assault and vehicle theft.
Deputies found that the suspect, Melanie Elizabeth Smith, 23, had fled the scene.
An investigation “revealed that Smith had assaulted family members, possibly caused physical harm to her children, and had consumed alcohol before stealing a vehicle from the property,” the post says.
With the assistance of a drone, deputies located Smith driving the vehicle in the area of Hatch and Carpenter roads.
They attempted a traffic stop, but Smith refused to yield, which led to a brief pursuit, according to the post. Smith eventually stopped the vehicle near the 2300 block of Hatch Road.
“During the arrest, Smith was noncompliant and was in possession of an edged weapon,” the post says. “Deputies deployed several less-lethal bean bag rounds.”
They ultimately used K-9 Sully to help take her into custody, and sent Smith to a hospital for medical evaluation.
Smith was booked into the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office Public Safety Center and faces charges of child abuse, elder abuse, vehicle theft, obstruction, driving under the influence, evading and assault with a deadly weapon.
The post includes officer body camera video with portions of the incident.
There also is public information on elder abuse signs: “Elder abuse can happen to anyone and often goes unnoticed. If you notice unexplained injuries, sudden changes in behavior, poor living conditions, or unusual financial activity, don’t ignore the signs. Speak up, check in on older loved ones, and report suspected abuse to the appropriate authorities.”
