Categories: Crime

Police: Woman Attempted to Run Over Teen to ‘Remove’ Her

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Background: The Smith County Jail in Tyler, Texas (Google Maps). Inset: Angel Rupkey (Overton Police Department).

A Texas woman was arrested after an incident on school property left a teenage girl in the hospital. Police said the woman ran over the girl with a car.

The Overton Police Department released the name of Angel Rupkey, 35, days after a Saturday incident at the Overton Independent School District involving a 13-year-old girl. According to police, the girl was “accidentally struck” by a car and became pinned underneath the vehicle. However, police said that rather than call 911, the adults at the scene allegedly took matters into their own hands. One of those adults was Rupkey, who police said made a “tragic and reckless decision” that further injured the girl.

In their press release, the Overton Police Department said that Christus EMS and the Overton Fire Department responded to reports of a “serious vehicle-versus-pedestrian accident” on Overton ISD property. The 13-year-old girl was reportedly struck by accident and was “trapped underneath a vehicle.”

Rather than call 911 immediately, police said the adults at the scene “attempted to free the victim themselves.” When their efforts to free the girl did not work, a woman later identified as Rupkey got behind the wheel and “in an attempt to dislodge the child, intentionally drove over her a second time.” Rupkey”s alleged action caused further injury to the teenage girl, who was taken to the hospital via helicopter.

The girl is currently still hospitalized in stable condition.

In a posting on their Facebook page, Overton ISD said, “We are especially thankful for the quick response of our local first responders, and our hearts are with the young girl and her family during this very difficult time.” Overton Police said that none of the adults or children on the scene on Saturday were Overton residents or students.

An arrest warrant was issued for Rupkey on one charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and she was arrested by U.S. Marshals on Tuesday. Her bond was set at $150,000 and she remains behind bars at Smith County Jail.