A wild incident unfolded on the NASA Causeway in Titusville earlier this year, involving both Kennedy Space Center Police (KSCP) and the Titusville Police Department (TPD).
Katie Jeane Mahai, 41, of Ocala, was indicted this week on several charges, including armed trespassing, fleeing and eluding law enforcement officers, and unlawfully bringing a firearm onto Kennedy Space Center.
On February 10, 2023, Mahai was allegedly armed with a firearm when she unlawfully entered a secured NASA area in her vehicle. According to authorities, Mahai disregarded all barriers and KSCP officers who activated their patrol vehicle’s lights and sirens in an attempt to stop her.
She fled from the scene, running through several barrier gates and KSCP stop sticks, eventually driving westbound on NASA Causeway towards River Edge Drive at approximately 10mph on two flat tires.
TPD officers then took over the pursuit, activating lights and sirens in their marked Titusville patrol vehicles. They performed a pinching maneuver to stop Mahai’s vehicle but were unsuccessful on the first attempt.
During the second attempt, Mahai drove straight toward a TPD Officer, nearly striking the officer while fleeing. A second pinching maneuver was successful in stopping her vehicle.
Upon arrest, a firearm was located in the front passenger side seat of Mahai’s vehicle, with one round of ammunition in the chamber. She was transported to Parrish Medical Center for medical clearance before being taken to Brevard County Jail without further incident.
The indictment states that Mahai violated National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) regulations that are in place for the protection and security of the Kennedy Space Center. If convicted on all counts, she faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. She is currently being held at Brevard County Jail without bond.
This case is being investigated by the NASA Office of Inspector General, Kennedy Space Center Security Police Officers, and the Titusville Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Rachel S. Lyons.
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Author: SpaceCoast Mike
Raised on the Space Coast, I want to keep North Brevard informed of what's happening. Send Tips / Story Ideas to TitusvilleMedia@gmail.com