Ferguson's Police Chief Troy Doyle says people need to stop fleeing from traffic stops following a Wednesday morning police pursuit that left a woman dead.
"This is an unfortunate tragedy. I cannot even imagine what this family is going through," Doyle said.
Alisa Ruffin, 56, was pronounced dead at the scene after police said 21-year-old Jarrad Dubose crashed into her car on West Florissant Avenue during a police pursuit.
Dubose is facing multiple felony charges, including DWI - resulting in death, DWI - resulting in physical injury, leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and resisting arrest by fleeing. Dubose has a bond of $750,000, cash-only.
"I pose this question to the community. Had this individual just pulled over for a lawful traffic stop, would we be sitting here having this press conference?" Doyle said.
Ferguson Police Department says around 4:22 a.m. Wednesday they noticed a Mercedes Benz traveling at a high rate of speed on West Florissant.
When the officer tried to conduct a traffic stop, police said Dubose did not stop.
Just two minutes later at 4:24 a.m., police said the same car was found in a QuikTrip parking lot at 10768 W. Florissant. The driver abruptly drove across the street.
An officer then tried to stop the car a second time but the suspect ended up hitting Ruffin's car.
Police said Dubose fled the scene after the crash while police tended to the victim.
According to police, an 18-year-old woman was in the suspect's car and had serious injuries after the crash.
Missouri State Highway Patrol is leading the investigation.
Cpl. Dallas Thompson with the Missouri Highway Patrol spoke with 5 On Your Side Wednesday morning about the crash.
"It was just a very sad and unfortunate crash that occurred, and someone lost their life. Hopefully, we can hold the suspect accountable for their actions," Thompson said.
According to Ferguson Police, 229 people have failed to yield to Ferguson police this year compared to 80 people in 2022.
Doyle said the officer involved in the police pursuit has not been placed on leave.
"I spoke with him this morning and anytime we come across these things people think law enforcement don't have feelings. We do, this weighs heavily on us," Doyle said.
Ruffin's grief-stricken mother could not talk on camera. She told 5 On Your Side's Robert Townsend her daughter was a baker at a supermarket and was driving to work when she was killed.
Alisa Ruffin was also a mother of two and a grandmother.
"I want to first give my heartfelt condolences to the young lady who lost her life and her family," Doyle said. "We're starting to see too many of these crashes in our region, and they're putting not only the officers at risk, but innocent community folks at risk too and this has to stop. We have to put the weight on the individuals who are failing to stop for law enforcement."
"It's tragic that a family has to deal with this, especially during the holiday season," said Adolphus Pruitt, the President of the St. Louis NAACP.
Pruitt saidafter two years of talks, the St. Louis City and County police departments " have agreed to the NAACP's recommendation to explore public safety when it comes to their police pursuit policies."
"The departments have agreed to continue to research and look for new technologies that will assist in making police pursuits as safe as possible, and if it works, implement it. That's what we want more than anything," Pruitt said.
"I am willing to meet with the NAACP or anyone who wants to continue this conversation," Doyle said.