Suspect arrested after chaotic pursuit through Placerville, Grizzly Flats
Treece’s vehicle after PIT maneuver (Credit: Placerville CHP)
PLACERVILLE // On the morning of October 23rd, a Placerville CHP officer conducting patrol in the Grizzly Flats community began following up on multiple traffic complaints, which led him to a vehicle parked wrong-way on a county road with no license plates.
Noticing that the vehicle matched descriptions provided by several witnesses concerned about an erratic driver, the officer approached the vehicle and found a lone subject — later identified as Michael Treece — passed out inside.
Upon awakening, Treece became immediately uncooperative and hostile, reportedly getting out of the vehicle, knocking the officer to the ground, getting back into the car, and making his escape. A pursuit followed, with Treece driving extremely erratically, including crossing over to the wrong side of the road, forcing oncoming vehicles off the road, running stop signs, and blowing through rural communities in excess of 60 MPH.
Fearing for public safety, the officer pursuing officer used the PIT maneuver to immobilize Treece’s vehicle. From there, Treece fled on foot into a wooded area.
The officer gave chase, crossing through several yards and hopping fences, before realizing he’d suffered an injury to his leg during the struggle with Treece. It was then that the officer returned to his vehicle to wait for backup. Several concerned citizens came outside to offer help and many stayed with him until backup arrived.
Numerous agencies responded to the call — including all on-duty Placerville CHP units, CHP Valley Division Air Operations, and several deputies and K-9 units from El Dorado County — and immediately established a perimeter.
Luck was on the side of the law that night, as one of the locals had recognized Treece during his escape. Treece was soon arrested in Somerset, after interviews with witnesses and known associates pointed officers in his direction.
Treece was again positively identified — by the officer he’d injured and from whom he had fled. He is now housed at the El Dorado County Jail on charges “including battery to a peace officer, resisting arrest, felony evading, as well as a felony no-bail warrant that was already issued for another incident.”
The officer involved is resting at home and expected to make a full recovery.
