Driver speeds through mourners refusing to stop

As members of the public crossed Malaga Street, returning to their parked cars following this morning’s Ceremony of Remembrance, a grey four-door Nissan X-TERRA came flying south on the street; passing dangerously close to departing vehicles and pedestrians.

St. Augustine Police Sergeant Mike Etheridge stepped toward the street, signaling the driver to stop. Etheridge waved his hands and called loudly to the driver, ordering her to stop the vehicle, as she continued past him. He slapped his hand against the passenger-side rear quarter panel, causing an even louder sound, and he repeated his command to stop, all to no avail.

Historic City News Editor Michael Gold attended the ceremony and was standing next to Etheridge, who was talking to Paul Thompson and City Commissioner Nancy Sikes-Kline when the incident occurred.

After the 2004 sport utility vehicle drove past Etheridge, by more than 15 or 20 feet, the driver applied the brakes, slowing slightly; then, without stopping, sped up as the officer advanced towards the vehicle.

Sergeant Etheridge radioed for assistance as he was on foot pursuing the vehicle past Georgie’s Diner.

When the driver, identified as 21 year-old Kristi Ladonn Sharer who resides at 300 White Castle Road in St Augustine, reached the traffic light at King Street, across from the Police Department headquarters, the light was red — forcing her to either stop or pull out into the path of passing traffic. This gave Etheridge the time he needed to catch up to the vehicle, approach the driver side door and command Sharer to pull into the parking lot of Carmelo’s Marketplace and Shell and stop.

Police officers Jessica Mitten Pedonti and Michael Keegan assisted in the traffic stop. Sharer was removed from her vehicle, placed in handcuffs and secured in the rear of Pedonti’s patrol vehicle as the investigation continued.

Inside the Nissan, bearing a St. Johns River State College parking decal and a pink window sticker declaring “Girls Hunt Too”, were one male passenger and two small children; secured in car seats in the back seat of the X-TERRA.

Etheridge issued two citations to Sharer for failing to obey the lawful order of a police officer and for operating her vehicle at speeds too fast for conditions. According to the vehicle registration, Sharer is not hearing impaired. He informed Historic City News that there was no apparent reason for the driver’s actions, other than she simply did not want to stop as instructed.

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News staff photographer