Struck Teton County sheriff speaks about chase

Two weeks after being struck by a suspect in a bizarre police chase, Teton County Sheriff Tony Liford is speaking about his experience.

The chase started a little before 6 p.m. on June 13 near the Best Western in Driggs. The driver, Danielle Rorabaugh, was wanted for allegedly hitting a pedestrian and fleeing the scene.

“At one point during the pursuit I recognized the driver,” said Liford.

The chase lasted more than 10 minutes. The suspect first headed south through town on Highway 33, never reaching excessive speeds.

After being led through the Creekside subdivison, Liford said he blocked a bridge with his patrol car, got out of the car, and ordered the suspect to stop. That’s when he said things took a turn for the worst.

“The defendant struck me with her car,” said Liford.

Luckily, he scraped by with only minor injuries.

“Little cut on one of my fingers and my shoulder the next day was a bit sore,” said Liford.

After being struck, Liford said he continued the pursuit, partly because of the small child he saw in the back of the suspect’s car.

“Ending this without injury to that child. That was the main concern at the time,” said Liford.

The chase finally ended near where it began.

The driver was taken into custody and now faces multiple charges including felony fleeing or attempt to elude a peace officer, felony aggravated battery, felony aggravated battery against certain personnel, leaving the scene of an accident resulting in injury, injury to a child and misdemeanor DUI.