Wanted Parolee Leads Police on High-Speed Chase

SANTA MARIA –  A high-speed chase early Wednesday morning through city streets and into South San Luis Obispo County ended near Avila Beach with the arrest of four individuals.

Bradley Winston Larsen

Just before 5 a.m., officers were dispatched to the area of Main and Blosser in Santa Maria regarding a wanted parolee, who was believed to be armed. When officers arrived at the scene, they observed a vehicle speeding away from the area, according to police.

Law enforcement attempted to stop the vehicle, but it failed to yield and a pursuit was initiated. The vehicle, which was later found to be stolen, led Santa Maria police officers on a pursuit onto southbound Highway 101 to Betteravia Road, where the driver exited the freeway and continued to lead officers in pursuit throughout the city.

The vehicle got back on the freeway and headed north toward San Luis Obispo County, with the driver eventually reaching speeds of up to 100 mph. Assistance from the California Highway Patrol was requested and the vehicle was partially disabled by a spike strip near the Spyglass Drive exit in Shell Beach, police said.

Thomas Edward Clutts

Although the car was partially disabled, the suspect vehicle continued at slower speeds through Shell Beach to Avila Beach Drive, where the driver attempted to re-enter the freeway. Officers were able to stop the vehicle before it entered onto southbound Highway 101 at Avila Beach Drive, where four individuals were subsequently taken into custody for various violations without further incident.

Bradley Winston Larson, 25, of Tanglewood, was arrested on suspicion of felony reckless evading, felony vehicle theft, felony possession of methamphetamine, felony transportation of methamphetamine and misdemeanor hit-and-run, as well as two outstanding arrest warrants. He was driving the vehicle and is a wanted parolee.

Thomas Edward Clutts, 39, of Santa Maria, was arrested on suspicion of felony false impersonation of another, as well as two felony ‘no bail’ warrants. Both men were booked at Santa Barbara County Jail.

Also arrested were: Santa Maria residents Laura Alvarez , 41, and Nancy Camacho, 20, on suspicion of being under the influence of methampethamine. Both women were cited and released.

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