Woman hit Porterville officer with vehicle during traffic stop, police say

PORTERVILLE, Calif. (KFSN) -- A 41-year-old woman is accused of hitting a police officer with her vehicle during a traffic stop in Porterville.

Fortunately, the officer involved has minor injuries and is now recovering at home.

Police Chief Jake Castellow says it started around 11 am on Thursday near Lime Street and Mulberry Avenue, when officers pulled over a black truck.

"The male driver was asked to step out of the vehicle, they were going to evaluate him for driving under the influence, at which time the female passenger moved over into the driver's seat and attempted to drive the vehicle," Castellow says.

That passenger - who became the driver - is identified as 41-year-old Monyka McDarment.

McDarment refused to listen to the officers, and after a short struggle, she drove off from the scene, hitting an officer with the truck.

Police chased her for a short time until she made her way to Sunnyside street near Belleview Avenue, where authorities say she abandoned the truck and tried running away.

Officers found her moments later and took her into custody.

They also searched her vehicle, where they say they found three ounces of methamphetamine.

"She is facing charges of attempted murder on a police officer, assault with a deadly weapon, and narcotics possession for sales," says Castellow.

Authorities say McDarment was also had a no-bail warrant for violating the terms of her post-release community supervision.

She is currently at the Tulare County Pretrial Facility.

The injured officer was released from the hospital, and she is now recovering at home.

Chief Castellow says the safest thing for everyone during a traffic stop is to cooperate with officers.