Suspect Attempted To Knock Off Deputy From Vehicle
BOULDER CREEK—The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a 28-year-old man for driving while intoxicated and dragging an officer in an attempt to get away. Arrested was 28-year-old Don Mitchell of Ben Lomond.
Late Saturday night, September 28, into early Sunday Morning, at about 12:41 am, a Santa Cruz County Deputy noticed a white Honda Sedan fail to make a complete stop at the intersection of Highway 236 and State Route 9 in the town of Boulder Creek, north of Ben Lomond. The vehicle also accelerated away at a high rate of speed.
Mitchell was pulled over in this Boulder creek neighborhood.
The deputy initiated a vehicle stop at West Lomond and Pine Street. Mitchell, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, displayed symptoms of being intoxicated. The deputy observed empty alcohol bottles in the vehicle.
When Mitchell realized he was being investigated for being intoxicated he became uncooperative and struggled against the deputy, who had to try to prevent him from driving off. “The Deputy was caught in the car as Mitchell started the vehicle and accelerated forward down the street in an attempt to get away.” Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Sergeant Kelly Kent wrote in a press release.
Mitchell attempted to knock the deputy off the vehicle by trying to hit parked cars, and dragged the deputy 250 feet. He eventually freed himself from the speeding vehicle. And Mitchell did not get away has he crashed his car a short distance later.
The effects of Mitchell’s actions shown on the deputy’s uniform.
He was arrested and transported to Santa Clara Valley Medical Center for treatment of his injuries. He was released after receiving treatment and taken to Santa Cruz County Jail where he was booked for assault with a deadly weapon, battery against a peace officer, obstructing a peace officer and a probation violation. His bail has been set at 25,000.00 dollars.
Mitchell had been arrested at the Mountain View Shoreline Amphitheater on July 6 this year during the “Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival”, which featured bands such as Korn and other heavy metal acts. He was charged with resisting or obstructing an officer. Records also show a 2013 arrest for domestic violence, as well as one for intoxication.
The Deputy, who has been with the Santa Cruz County Sheriff Office for only one year, was transported to Dominican Hospital for treatment of his injuries and released. His uniform showed some of the effects of the encounter as well.
