Mom accused of running from police, leaving baby alone in Jeep

Jovitha Montgomery, 22, was driving recklessly until police stopped the vehicle, according to investigators.

Credit: Shelby County Sheriff's Office

Credit: Shelby County Sheriff's Office

Jovitha Montgomery, 22, was driving recklessly until police stopped the vehicle, according to investigators.

A Tennessee mother is behind bars after police said she evaded arrest – and left a very valuable thing behind while running.

Memphis and Southaven police were responding to a vehicle pursuit Friday evening.

Southaven police said they were chasing a 2019 Jeep Compass that refused to stop during a traffic stop. They chased the vehicle from Southaven into Memphis.

Jovitha Montgomery, 22, was driving recklessly until police stopped the vehicle, according to investigators.

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The vehicle was stopped in the 2400 block of E. Hillview, where three people ran from the Jeep.

Officers say Montgomery jumped from the driver's seat and ran through the Hillview Village Apartments.

Southaven Police then deployed their K-9 unit, which bit Montgomery in her left arm.

No other individuals from the vehicle were located.

Southaven Police found a 1-year-old unattended in the vehicle by the suspects that bailed the vehicle.

That baby was identified as Montgomery's child.

Montgomery has been charged with child abuse and neglect, two counts of evading arrest and one count of reckless endangerment.