ALBUQURQUE, NM (AP) — A Tennessee woman has pleaded not guilty in a chaotic 2013 traffic stop and chase during which a New Mexico State Police officer shot at her minivan full of children.
KOB-TV reports that 40-year-old Oriana Farrell of Memphis entered the plea Tuesday in the northern tourist town of Taos to fleeing and other charges filed last month by a grand jury. 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. Dashboard video of the shooting gained national attention, and the officer was later fired.
Defense attorney Alan Maestas says the charges aren't justified.