Aviana Ortiz, a 21-year-old woman, is made headlines after leading North Carolina State Highway Patrol troopers on a dangerous high-speed chase—and flashing a smile in her mugshot following her arrest.
Smiling Suspect Caught After Multi-County Pursuit
According to authorities, the incident happened around 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 24, when a state trooper spotted Ortiz speeding at nearly 100 mph in a 55 mph zone on U.S. Highway 70 in Johnston County. When the trooper attempted a traffic stop, Ortiz hit the gas—reaching speeds of up to 115 mph as she fled into Wayne County.
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During the chase, officials say Ortiz endangered multiple motorists, reportedly forcing a motorcycle off the road and causing a separate vehicle to overturn. As the pursuit continued onto Interstate 42, the danger escalated.
Troopers End It With a Rolling Roadblock
The high-speed drama came to a close in Lenoir County when law enforcement deployed a rolling roadblock maneuver. Ortiz allegedly rammed into the back of a patrol car during the stop, then refused commands, prompting troopers to physically remove her from the vehicle.
Ortiz appeared all smiles in her booking photo.
Facing Serious Charges
Ortiz was arrested and booked into the Johnston County Jail, where she is being held on a $50,250 bond. She faces multiple charges, including:
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Felony Flee to Elude Arrest
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Driving While Impaired
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Aggressive Driving
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Resisting a Public Officer
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Numerous Traffic Violations
The incident is under further investigation.
