76 mph on Jefferson Road? The police report tells the story of what happened next on Sunday afternoon, March 2nd, 2025. At approximately 12:30 pm, a Columbia Charter Township Police Officer was patrolling the area of Jefferson Road near S. Woodlands Drive. As the officer was traveling west on Jefferson, a gray Kia Sportage sped past the patrol vehicle. The patrol vehicle radar measured the Kia traveling at a speed of 76 mph in a 55-mph zone. The officer immediately turned his patrol vehicle around to apprehend the driver. The suspect vehicle was traveling at such a high rate of speed that a traffic stop could not be conducted quickly. The Kia traveled north on Eagle Point and then west on Lakeview Drive. Once the officer caught up to the suspect on Lakeview Drive, he conducted a traffic stop at 12:32pm. At that point, the officer contacted the driver.
Police say the driver did not have an adequate explanation for the extraordinary speed or some of her driving decisions. On further investigation It was discovered that the driver’s operating privileges had been revoked. The driver of the vehicle, 36-year-old Ashleigh B. Coffey of Columbia Charter Township, was detained and taken into temporary custody.
The vehicle was impounded, and Coffey was issued a misdemeanor appearance citation for driving while license revoked and a secondary citation for traveling above posted speed limits (76 mph – 55 mph). The misdemeanor charge carries a penalty of up to 90 days in jail and/or up to $500 fine if convicted. Coffey was released into her own custody and picked up by family.
Police add the Jefferson Road corridor within Columbia Charter Township can be dangerous at times in the best of conditions, considering the geographical features of the road and very little to no shoulders. Police advise those traveling on this road are reminded to travel at the correct posted speed limits and be alert to the changing environment while traveling this area.
