Woman Made her Teen Daughter Take the Rap for Fleeing from Cops

A Great Falls woman was arrested on Saturday after leading law enforcement officers on a high speed chase that put several lives in danger, including her own 16 year-old daughter and three other passengers.

34 year-old Katie Marceau appeared in Missoula Justice Court on Monday before Judge Landee Holloway to face charges of felony criminal endangerment and tampering with evidence, as well as several misdemeanor traffic offenses.

Deputy Missoula County Attorney Caitlin Williams outlined the charges as Marceau appeared via video from the Missoula County Jail.

“The State is recommending bail in the amount of $10,000,” said Williams. “This defendant led law enforcement on a high speed chase up Highway 200 reaching speeds of up to 95 miles per hour. She had to be spike-stripped and eventually lost control and crashed. She then made her 16 year-old daughter climb into the driver’s seat and switch spots with her, presumably because a minor would get into less trouble.”

Court records indicate that Marceau engaged in conduct that created a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury by speeding, passing in no-pass zones and crashing her vehicle.

Williams said Marceau, who claimed to be disabled, was wanted on several outstanding warrants, which was the reason she fled from authorities.

“She has had numerous other warrants, and admitted that was why she fled from law enforcement,” she said. “This defendant also admitted to using alcohol and meth, and for those reasons bail is warranted.”

Judge Holloway set bail at $10,000 and remanded Marceau back to the county jail. Her other charges originated in Cascade County.