Deputies identify Florida woman who threw rubber snake after high-speed chase

Florida deputies identify woman who threw a rubber snake at them after a high-speed chase (Courtesy: Martin County Sheriff's Office)

MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. – The driver who led Martin County Sheriff’s deputies on a high-speed chase, causing a rollover crash and later throwing a rubber snake at them, has been identified.

According to deputies, Dawn LaShawn Laprade, 54, of Vero Beach drove up to 100 miles per hour as she intentionally tried to run down the deputy on his motorcycle.

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Deputies said Laprade rammed another truck during the chase on Wednesday. That truck rolled over and three people were hurt. Those victims are expected to be okay.

According to Martin County Sheriff William Snyder, when Laprade exited her vehicle, instead of surrendering, she threw what looked like a real snake at a deputy.

Laprade has been charged with four counts of aggravated assault on a police officer and fleeing and eluding.

Her bond is set at $90,000 and additional charges are possible.


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Veronica Crespo writes for Local10.com and also oversees the Español section of the website. Born and raised in Miami, she graduated from the University of Miami, where she studied broadcast journalism and Spanish.