A Libby woman involved in a alleged high-speed chase with law enforcement is facing criminal charges related to the recent incident.

Sasha Marie Palafox, 39, was charged with felony criminal endangerment and two misdemeanors, fleeing from police and resisting arrest, following an incident on the afternoon of Wednesday, April 8.

Palafox, who made her initial appearance on video April 9, posted $20,000 bail. Her preliminary hearing in Justice Court is set for Wednesday, April 22.

According to the probable cause statement by Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Anthony Jenson, a friend of Palafox called 911 to report the defendant was threatening suicide. The friend followed Palafox north on Highway 37 for about five miles, but couldn’t keep up with her due to the vehicle’s speed.

Capt. Jenson tried to locate Palafox, but U.S. Forest Service officer Young found Palafox on the Jennings Haul Road. He tried to stop her vehicle to conduct a welfare check, but she allegedly failed to stop. Palafox turned on to Highway 37 and drove toward Libby.

Ofc. Young reported the accused was driving between 90 and 100 miles per hour.

Capt. Jenson joined the chase near mile marker 3 and saw Palafox swerve into the oncoming traffic lane multiple times. Her vehicle then struck a set of spike strips and at least one tire deflated.

The Jeep then crashed into the guardrail after Palafox lost control on the bridge over the Kootenai River.

Capt. Jenson reported Palafox was told to exit the vehicle numerous times, but refused. The driver’s side window was busted out and Palafox was taken from the vehicle. She wrestled with officers before they handcuffed her.

A conviction on a criminal endangerment charge may result in a 10-year term in the Montana State Prison. A conviction on the fleeing charge may result in a one-year term in the county jail. Six months in the county jail is the maximum term