Parolee Shops for Escape, Comes Up Empty

While many shoppers were busy with their last-minute Christmas purchases at the Mt Shasta Mall, at least one “customer” was looking for an escape.  It began on Sunday morning when Redding police officers attempted to arrest a 46-year-old parolee named Joseph Eugene Mattos.

Instead, the subject fled in his vehicle into the mall parking lot.  After rear-ending a car in the lot, Mattos jumped out of his vehicle and ran into the J C Penney’s store at the mall.  While inside, he grabbed a coat, apparently in an attempt to disguise his appearance and assist in his attempt at freedom.

Mattos exited the mall but was apprehended by police in the Red Robin parking lot, with the assistance of batons and a  taser.  His car held five pounds of marijuana and hashish.  He also had meth in his possession.

In addition, the Redding PD press release states that “Mattos also had an outstanding warrant for his arrest out of Tehama County and on parole out of Butte County.” He was arrested for resisting arrest, driving on a suspended driver’s license, burglary, hit and run, transportation of marijuana/hashish, outstanding warrant, parole violation and booked at the Shasta County Jail.  He apparently did not have a Merry Christmas.

Read More:

ANewsCafe.com: RPD Arrest Parolee After Chase Through Shopping Center

Record Searchlight: Man Arrested After Chase Through Mt Shasta Parking Lot