A routine traffic stop in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin took an unexpected turn when a woman, identified by police as 35-year-old Mallerie Griffin, allegedly led officers on a high-speed chase, exceeding the speed limit by double in her white BMW with Illinois plates. The incident, captured on police bodycam footage, escalated quickly, revealing a series of bizarre behaviors and accusations from the driver.
A High-Speed Start
According to police reports, Griffin was clocked driving 60 mph in a 30 mph zone. The officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the woman, behind the wheel of her white BMW, sped past him. The officer pursued, and despite a brief stop, Griffin again accelerated away.
White BMW driving down a street
The chase continued until officers deployed stop sticks, which Griffin narrowly avoided, nearly hitting an officer in the process.
A Series of Bizarre Behaviors
Once apprehended, Griffin’s behavior became increasingly erratic. She laughed at officers, tossed a bottle of hand sanitizer out of the window, and made comments about the officers’ appearance, even suggesting they should “lose some weight.”
Police officer talking to a woman in a car
“You’re a little too overweight,” Griffin remarked to one officer. She then turned her attention to a female officer, saying, “She’s too fat to be a police [officer].”
Accusations and Justifications
Throughout the encounter, Griffin offered a series of justifications for her actions. She claimed her navigation system was hacked, that she was lost, and that she had PTSD, which the officers triggered.
Griffin also accused the officers of illegally arresting her, touching her body without reason, and putting her in a hot police vehicle despite her dehydration.
Failed Sobriety Tests and a Hidden Vape
Back at the police station, Griffin continued to exhibit erratic behavior. She refused to cooperate with field sobriety tests, at one point breaking into yoga poses and challenging officers to match her flexibility.
A woman in a police station
“Can you do what I can do?” Griffin asked, demonstrating a yoga pose. “Can you do this in your cop uniform?”
When asked to perform a walk-and-turn test, Griffin claimed to have flat feet, hindering her ability to walk in a straight line. She demanded the instructions be written down and even accused the officers of not checking her feet before hiring her.
The situation escalated further when Griffin pulled out a vape pen and took a puff inside the patrol car.
The Aftermath
Following the field sobriety tests, Griffin was asked to take a preliminary breathalyzer test. However, she continued to make accusations against the officers, calling them “scumbag alcoholics” and claiming that she could “tell a bad person from the way they stand, talk, and act.”
Griffin was eventually cited for OWI (operating while intoxicated), resisting arrest, speeding, and not having a registered vehicle.
What’s Next?
It is unclear at this time what legal ramifications Griffin will face. The incident has sparked debate about police conduct during traffic stops, particularly in cases involving individuals who may be experiencing mental health crises.
FAQ
Q: What led to the police chase?
A: According to police, Griffin was initially stopped for speeding, going 60 mph in a 30 mph zone.
Q: Why did Griffin claim she was arrested?
A: Griffin offered several justifications for her actions, including a hacked GPS, being lost, and having PTSD triggered by the officers.
Q: Did Griffin cooperate with the field sobriety tests?
A: No, Griffin refused to cooperate, making excuses, performing yoga poses, and challenging the officers’ physical abilities.
Q: What charges is Griffin facing?
A: Griffin was cited for OWI, resisting arrest, speeding, and not having a registered vehicle.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and unpredictable nature of police encounters. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
