A Marshall woman was arrested and charged after driving southbound on the northbound lanes of U.S. Highway 65 and causing a head-on collision on Wednesday, August 27.

According to the Pettis County Sheriff’s Office, Saline County dispatch advised Pettis County Joint Communications of a wrong way driver southbound on US 65 in the northbound lanes of traffic at around 11:09 p.m. As deputies responded, the vehicle was located driving head on towards a deputy, reportedly traveling 90 miles per hour.

Deputies successfully deployed stop sticks near the intersection of Highway 65 and Highway HH, disabling three of the four tires. The vehicle continued traveling south as deputies pursued from the southbound lanes. The vehicle began to slow due to the condition of the tires, but continued onto Highway 765 at which time it struck a northbound vehicle head-on.

Deputies responded to drivers of both vehicles, arresting 32-year-old Lauren Ngaue, and transporting her an area hospital for medical treatment. The driver of the other vehicle was initially pinned inside the vehicle with visible injury, but was later extracted by deputies. She was then transported to an area hospital via PCAD for medical treatment.

Ngaue reportedly admitted to drinking alcohol before the incident. Deputies noted that Ngaue showed clear signs of intoxication.

Ngaue is facing felony charges for aggravated fleeing, assault in the second degree, driving while intoxicated, and armed criminal action; as well as misdemeanors for speeding and driving the wrong way on a divided highway. Bond was set at $75,000 cash or surety with conditions preventing Ngaue from driving or consuming “intoxicants.” No court appearances have been set at this time.