A Boca Raton woman is facing a charge of fleeing and eluding police after Boca Raton cops say she took off from a traffic stop. Kristine Demko was later arrested and booked into the Palm Beach County Jail, where fleeing a ticket that may have been a few hundred dollars led to a $5000 bond.
"On 11/29/2024 at approximately 1115hrs, I was conducting speed enforcement in the area of 600 NE Mizner Blvd with my Dragon Eye handheld speed measurement laser. I observed a dark colored sedan traveling northbound on NE Mizner Blvd from the 200 block in the outside lane at an excessive rate of speed. I visually estimated the vehicle's speed to be approximately 45mph. I placed the vehicle within the laser sight of my speed measurement device and pressed the trigger. The speed measurement device produced an audible tone and provided a reading of 48mph in the 30mph zone."
The officer activated his bodyworn camera and flagged down the vehicle to stop while wearing full BRPD patrol uniform and reflective traffic vest labeled "POLICE". The driver initially complied but then accelerated rapidly away from the scene.
"At this point, the driver of the vehicle accelerated rapidly and proceeded northbound on NE 2nd at a high rate of speed... Communications advised that the vehicle tag is assigned to a black Honda Accord registered to Kristine Demko."
The officers located Demko's vehicle shortly after, initiated another traffic stop, and successfully detained her.
"I ordered the female out of the vehicle and placed her in handcuffs... Denko replied, 'I wasn't trying to run you over, I just didn't want to get a ticket today.'
Based on these events, probable cause existed to charge Demko with felony fleeing and eluding law enforcement per F.S.S. 316.1935(1). She was read her constitutional rights, which she acknowledged understanding before being transported to Palm Beach County Jail.