SLO Deputies Catch Fleeing Driver

The San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s Office arrested a man after he tried to flee from deputies after an attempted traffic stop on Wednesday evening.

Reuben Rivera

According to the SLO sheriff’s office, deputies initiated a traffic stop at the service station island area at the Nipomo Chevron Station located at South Frontage Road at Tefft Street in Nipomo.

The stop was initiated for traffic violations and suspicion that the driver had outstanding arrest warrants. After initially stopping, the driver accelerated out of the service station, failing to yield and initiated a pursuit by deputies.

Deputies say the driver, subsequently identified as Ruben Jay Rivera, 28, of Nipomo proceeded approximately 160 yards on South Frontage Road where he tried to drive his vehicle on an off-road embankment where he lost control and became stuck in the sand.

Rivera immediately fled from the scene on foot and into a neighboring yard.

According to the SLO sheriff’s office, officers from the California Highway Patrol, a Sheriff’s K-9, and patrol deputies searched the area and cordoned off the yard which resulted in Rivera’s apprehension.

Rivera was arrested and booked into county jail for felony pursuit, resisting arrest and an outstanding local misdemeanor warrant.

During the Rivera’s flight and entry into a neighboring yard the property owner’s four Chihuahua dogs were released.

Any member of the public with information related to the location of the missing dog(s) in the Nipomo area is encouraged to notify Sheriff’s Dispatch at (805) 781-4550.

Read More:

San Luis Obispo Tribune: Four Chihuahuas Missing, Man Behind BarsAfter Wednesday Night Chase in Nipomo

Lompoc Record: Arrest Follows Pursuit, Dog Release