A 33-year-old Gardnerville woman was charged with battery on an officer, after she was accused of bumping a Douglas County deputy with her car when he was trying to control traffic after a deadly accident Sunday south of Gardnerville.
Lodema Christensen was jailed on $26,000 bail after she refused to follow traffic directions in the wake of an accident on Highway 395 that killed three people.
Traffic was closed in the southbound lane of Highway 395 near China Spring Road at 5:45 p.m. following the two-vehicle collision.
Deputy B.J. Tooker was turning traffic around when Christensen reportedly drove up to his position, despite repeated hand signals that she turn around.
Tooker said several vehicles followed Christensen, causing a massive traffic jam that hindered the right of way for emergency vehicles trying to get to the site.
She said she was on her way to pick up a relative. Deputies said a young girl was in the car.
Tooker told Christensen she couldn't proceed, and she reportedly said, "Well, I'll just have to drive over you then."
Tooker said she put her vehicle in gear and turned the steering wheel toward the deputy. She struck him in the left leg with the forward portion of the front door.
A second deputy was on scene and told Christensen several times she would be arrested if she didn't stop.
Tooker drew his duty weapon and ordered her to stop, but she continued to drive, nudging the deputy with her car as he attempted to step back.
She stopped the vehicle after making a full left turn and reportedly said, "OK. I'll turn around."
She was charged with obstructing a public officer and battery on an officer. Christensen's hearing is set for today in East Fork Justice Court.
