Rensselaer Woman Arrested After High-Speed Police Chase

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A 54-year-old woman from Rensselaer, New York has been arrested after allegedly leading police on a high-speed chase that reached over 100 mph. Janette M. Ketcham is accused of failing to comply with a traffic stop, sparking a pursuit that went from I-787 to I-90 before she lost control of her vehicle and hit a snowbank. Police say Ketcham also had a substance that tested positive for cocaine.

Why it matters

High-speed police chases pose a serious risk to public safety, and this incident highlights the dangers of fleeing law enforcement. The alleged drug possession charge also raises concerns about impaired driving and the ongoing issue of substance abuse in the region.

The details

According to New York State Police, the incident began on February 28 when troopers attempted to pull over Ketcham's vehicle on Alternate State Route 7 in Troy. Ketcham allegedly failed to comply and led police on a chase that reached speeds over 100 mph, traveling from I-787 to I-90 and eventually into Rensselaer. Ketcham lost control of her vehicle in the area of Partition Street and Third Street, hitting a snowbank. Police say she was also found to be in possession of a substance that later tested positive for cocaine.

• The incident occurred on February 28, 2026.
• Ketcham was arraigned in Rensselaer City Court and released under probation supervision.

What’s next

Ketcham is facing multiple charges, including criminal possession of a controlled substance, unlawfully fleeing from a police officer, reckless endangerment, resisting arrest, obstructing governmental administration, DWI, and various vehicle and traffic law violations. The judge will determine if she will be allowed out on bail.