A contract healthcare worker for the Alabama Department of Corrections was arrested Friday a drug checkpoint at a north Alabama prison.

Monica Tara Bishop, 44, was taken into custody after a brief chase.

ADOC drug-sniffing dogs and narcotics officers were conducting a vehicle checkpoint at Limestone Correctional Facility.

Shortly before 5:30 a.m., a red SUV was spotted turning around about 150 yards from the drug checkpoint, spokeswoman Kelly Betts.

The driver – later identified as Bishop – fled when officers tried to stop her on the access road. She finally stopped after a brief pursuit, Betts said.

A search of the SUV turned up 195 grams of methamphetamine, almost 160 grams of marijuana and 290 grams of chemically altered paper.

Bishop was booked into the Limestone County Jail on charges of methamphetamine trafficking, first-degree promoting prison contraband, first-degree possession of marijuana and unlawful distribution of a controlled substance.

Betts said Bishop is an employee of YesCare, the contract healthcare provider for ADOC. She has been banned from any future admittance to ADOC property.

The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges could be filed.