Sister Lakes woman arrested for child abuse after traffic stop

A Sister Lakes-area woman was arrested on several charges after allegedly fleeing from deputies in Van Buren County Thursday afternoon.

The Van Buren County Sheriff's Office says a deputy tried to stop 27-year-old Ashley Gardner for an improper registration plate. 

That's when they say she sped away allegedly trying to elude the deputy.

Gardner sped through the parking lot of the Sister Lakes Fire Department and attempted to turn down an alley behind the lot, according to deputies.

She then lost control of her vehicle and slid down an embankment.

After the car stopped, the deputy realized Gardner's 2-year-old son was in the vehicle with her.

The deputy discovered the vehicle was unregistered, had an improper plate and the driver did not have insurance.

Gardner also had a warrant out for her arrest in Berrien County.

She was arrested for operating a motor vehicle without insurance, operating a motor vehicle with improper license plate, operating an unregistered motor vehicle as well as child abuse 4th degree.

Gardner is now in the Van Buren County Jail.