A Wisconsin woman faces multiple charges after she cracked open a beer instead of getting out of her car after a police stop early Wednesday, authorities said.
Chenoa N. A. Taylor, 42, was arrested just after 1 a.m. on charges including operating while intoxicated, reckless driving and opening intoxicants in a moving vehicle while driving.
A Madison police officer was on foot when she spotted Taylor driving fast on State Street, a popular area closed to most vehicles that connects the state capitol to the University of Wisconsin – Madison campus.
The officer attempted to warn Taylor to slow down by sending a flashlight beam in her direction and yelling, but Taylor ignored the warning and "continued to travel at nearly 40 mph, coming within one foot of a bicyclist," police said.
The cyclist and police officer locked eyes before the officer jumped in her squad car and followed Taylor. She stopped the Madison woman a few blocks away.
"(Taylor) refused to get out from behind the wheel," police said. "Instead she opened (a beer) and began drinking."
Several officers were needed to get Taylor out of the car and in handcuffs.
She was booked into the Dane County Jail and later released on bond, according to jail records.
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