Driver gets prison for cemetery drive

A Carson City woman who led police on a chase in May that ended at Lone Mountain Cemetery was sent to prison Monday.

Judge Todd Russell determined Laurie Hancock, 43, will serve 16 to 48 months on a charge of felony eluding police. She must also serve five years' probation on unrelated charges upon her release from prison.

According to police reports, Hancock was stopped by a deputy near Lone Mountain Cemetery on May 12 after several people reported she was driving erratically. When an officer approached the vehicle, he noticed an open bottle of whiskey in the passenger seat and Hancock intoxicated behind the wheel, according to police reports.

After the deputy went to retrieve a field sobriety kit, Hancock sped away and traveled over multiple grave sites until reaching Beverly Drive, where she nearly hit a car, according to the sheriff's report.

She then drove north on Roop Street, where she ran a stop sign and traffic light and drove into the opposite lanes in a bid to escape, authorities said. Deputies say she was traveling about 75 mph.

She lost control in a turn onto Northridge and, as officers rushed the vehicle, Hancock took a swig from the bottle of whiskey, according to the report.

Also appearing before Russell on Monday were:

• Joseph Carter, 26, who pleaded guilty to possession of a stolen motor vehicle and failure to stop on signal of police officer. He will be sentenced Aug. 29.

• Trevor James Neilson, 21, who pleaded guilty to possession of marijuana with intent to sell. He faces one to four years in prison and a $5,000 fine when sentenced Sept. 26.