On November 28, 2022, at 11:30 p.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies got information that 25-year-old Anthony Kiontae Czerniejewski was in an apartment in the 2400 block of SW Ecole Ave., within the Enhanced Sheriff’s Patrol District (ESPD). Deputies knew Czerniejewski had a felony warrant for his arrest.
When deputies arrived, no one inside the apartment would come to the door. Deputies left but learned later that Czerniejewski had been inside and fled on foot. They returned, set up containment in the area, and began to search for him.
During the search, 22-year-old Michelle Perez-Barrera left the apartment in a 2006 Jeep Commander and began circling the neighborhood. Deputies saw the Jeep stop briefly and watched as Czerniejewski dove into the back seat.
One of the deputies tried to block Perez-Barrera’s path using a patrol vehicle. Instead of stopping, Perez-Barrera rammed her Jeep into the deputy’s vehicle, hitting the driver’s door. Czerniejewski got out of the car and ran from the scene. Deputies arrested Perez-Barrera, who was transported to the Washington County Jail on the following charges:
- Hindering prosecution (felony)
- Assault on a public safety officer (felony)
- Recklessly endangering (two counts)
Additional charges are possible as the investigation continues.
