981 Francisco Blvd East (Google Maps)
SAN RAFAEL – A report of a man brandishing a gun at a gas station sparked a quick succession of events—a police chase, two car crashes, and two arrests on March 12.
An officer was nearby when a police dispatcher received a report of a man brandishing a gun at the Circle K gas station located at 981 Francisco Boulevard East, and a description of his car.
The officer spotted and pursued the vehicle, which turned into a chase heading towards downtown. Police said the fleeing driver ran a red light at the intersection of Second Street and Grand Avenue and crashed into another car; then the suspect tried to get away by reversing backwards and hitting a patrol car that had pulled up next to him.
The person whose car was hit suffered only minor injuries. The officer was not injured, but the patrol car was damaged.
The suspect involved with both crashes, 40-year-old Jason Griffin, a local resident, was arrested about one block away. His passenger, Amanda M. Evans, 24, of Santa Rosa, was also arrested. Both suspects are in custody at Marin County Jail.
Griffin is charged with brandishing a firearm replica, hit and run resulting in death or injury, petty theft, theft of personal property, narcotics possession, controlled substance possession, drug paraphernalia possession, possession of marijuana on school grounds, driving with suspended license, and probation violation. His bond was set at $295,000.
Evans is charged with brandishing a firearm replica, possession of a controlled substance, and receiving or possessing a stolen vehicle. Her bail was set at $60,000.
