The chase started on Dutch Lane in Hermitage, cut through Sharon and ended at Hamilton Avenue and Idaho Street in Farrell.

Hermitage Deputy Chief Larry Matchak said the chase started at 2:07 p.m., after a policewoman was flagged down by witnesses to a hit-and-run wreck on state Route 18 at Dutch Lane.

Linda S. Baker, 42, of 85 Kitch Road -- whose southbound car rear-ended a sport utility vehicle and then backed into the car behind her -- left the crash scene and turned right onto Dutch Lane, Matchak said. The pursuit began before the car reached the sharp, first curve of Dutch Lane.

Ms. Baker headed south on Dutch Lane, west on East State Street, south on South Kerrwood Drive and west on Shenango Valley Freeway, Matchak said. The top speed during the freeway stretch was about 50 mph, Matchak said. Sharon police had not completed a report on the chase this morning, but Capt. Michael Menster said that a Sharon cruiser was damaged in the chase.

Ms. Baker spent the night in Shenango Valley Regional Lockup, Farrell, and was released on her own recognizance after being arraigned this morning on Hermitage charges of drunken driving, hit-and-run, fleeing and eluding, reckless endangerment, numerous other driving violations and possession of a small amount of marijuana.

Sharon and Southwest Mercer County Regional police had not filed charges against Ms. Baker this morning.