Woman crashes into Pueblo police car, nearly runs officer over before leaving the scene

Pueblo police are searching for a woman who crashed into a police cruiser, almost hit a police officer and then drove away early Thursday morning.

Police have identified the suspect as 25-year-old Sherri Jean Lenay Hays. Police say Hays was driving a stolen car when they tried to contact her at a convenience store parking lot in the Belmont area near the intersection Jerry Murphy Road and Montebello Road.

Hays is still at large, but after last night she now faces charges of second-degree assault and motor vehicle theft. Before last night, she already had felony warrants out for fraud and impersonation.

When Hays pulled out of the convenience store, she crashed into a police cruiser and then nearly hit an officer before speeding away. No officers were injured.

Shortly after leaving the scene, Hays went off the road on Mohawk. She then ran from the scene, officers detained a man who was in the car with her.

The cruiser Hays allegedly slammed into is totaled, and Pueblo Police say it is out of commission. However, Sgt. Frank Ortega says they are coming out ahead after last night.

“They almost hit another officer, clipped a police car, and ran from the scene with the vehicle,” said Sgt. Ortega. “We’re lucky that none of the officers were injured. The police car is totaled but it is only a piece of equipment.”

Hays is described as 5’6″, 130 lbs., brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a white shirt and brown jacket.

If you know her whereabouts, call the Pueblo Police Department at 719-553-2502.