A La Porte woman was arrested Tuesday after allegedly kicking a deputy, according to the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office.

Just before 8:50 p.m, Deputy Austin Wells was traveling north in the 2000 north block of US 35.  The La Porte County Sheriff’s Office said Wells observed a southbound vehicle approaching with only one operational headlight.  Once behind the vehicle – a gray Tesla, the vehicle drove left of center and was found to be displaying an expired registration sticker.

A traffic stop was initiated in the 1300 block of Pine Lake Avenue.  The driver was identified as 43-year-old Laquintae Taborn of La Porte.  Information was provided to Deputy Wells that Taborn was a suspect from an incident that occurred earlier in the day and probable cause existed for her arrest.

Taborn was directed to exit the vehicle.  She was taken into custody and became loud and argumentative.

“As Taborn’s poor attitude continued, Deputy Wells also developed probable cause that she was impaired,” the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.

Taborn was transported to the La Porte County Jail (LCJ) where the investigation continued.  Eventually, Taborn had to be transported to a nearby hospital for medical clearance.

According to police, while in an emergency exam room, Taborn wasn’t compliant with the staff and repeatedly stood up from the hospital bed and began walking around.  Even after being provided with instructions and as Deputy Wells was speaking with the staff, Taborn ran out of the exam room and into another across the hallway where she attempted to hide behind a privacy curtain.

Deputy Wells approached Taborn to escort her back into her assigned exam room. Taborn refused to cooperate and began to resist, police said.  Once back in the original exam room, Taborn raised both of her legs from the bed and kicked Deputy Wells in the chest and then used her right leg to kick him in the head.  Taborn continued to resist Deputy Wells until additional assistance arrived and she was secured to the hospital bed.

Taborn was medically cleared and transported back to the LCJ.  During the transport Taborn continued with her belligerent behavior.

Taborn was arrested for the following offenses:

  • Battery of a Public Safety Official, L6 Felony
  • Resisting Law Enforcement, A-Misdemeanor
  • OWI – Prior Conviction, L6 Felony
  • OWI – Endangerment, A-Misdemeanor
  • OWI – Per Se, C-Misdemeanor

As of Wednesday, Taborn remained housed in the LCJ and was not eligible for bond.