ESCONDIDO — A woman accused of multiple robberies took police on a reckless late-night pursuit through downtown and residential areas of Escondido last November, an Escondido police officer testified.
Michelle Lefever ran red lights and stop signs and reached speeds of 80 mph, partly with her vehicle’s lights turned off, Officer Mark Peterson testified Nov. 13. He said Lefever, 28, eventually crashed the stolen Nissan Sentra after she lost control on Juniper Street. The officer said the defendant was apprehended moments later as she tried to flee the scene on foot.
Inside the car, Peterson said he found a duffle bag filled with items believed to been used in a series of 2007 robberies, which took place Oct. 23, Oct. 24, Oct. 26, Oct. 28 and Nov. 11 at convenience stores and restaurants, all within Escondido. The items included two Santa hats, a black glove and pellet gun, as well as a photo album containing pictures of Lefever.
Lefever is charged with four counts of robbery and a single count each of vehicle theft, resisting police officers, possessing and transporting controlled substance, and possessing burglary tools. She has prior convictions for drug and burglary offenses.
In addition to the aforementioned items, Peterson said he also found a small amount of methamphetamines and marijuana in the vehicle, as well as a shaved key, a tool used by auto thieves, on Lefever.
However, under cross-examination by defense attorney Rick Crawford, the officer said that because the ignition was disengaged the shaved key most likely wasn’t used. He also admitted that previously stolen vehicles are often left unoccupied by thieves in Escondido.
Lefever remains in custody in lieu of $50,000 bail.
previous post
