Photo: Andy Monticello
ANTIOCH — The third law enforcement agency was the charm. A reckless driver bedeviled police in three cities before crashing into custody last week.
The incident on March 31 began at 1:35 p.m. First, an Oakley police officer attempted to stop a car spotted driving recklessly. The white Nissan with only one Arizona license plate kept going while the officer pursued it.
Oakley PD had to terminate the pursuit in the interest of public safety. Although the driver continued speeding towards Brentwood in a reckless manner.
Next, Brentwood PD began receiving reports of a car driving on walking trails, rather than on the proper roadway. Multiple callers reported the driver, including pedestrians who narrowly escaped getting run over.
Updated reports kept coming as the erratic driver traveled along the Highway 4 bypass. The driver reportedly blew through red lights and almost ran other motorists off the road.
Brentwood PD converged as the car barreled westbound on Balfour Street. However, the driver still managed to avoid contact with police a little while longer.
Considering its last known location, Antioch PD were dispatched near Deer Valley Road to intercept the Nissan. Soon afterward, a sergeant on patrol spotted it traveling against traffic heading straight at him.
Hoping to avoid a collision the sergeant swerved into the adjacent lane, but the erratic driver swerved too. Both vehicles collided. Nevertheless, the sergeant used his car to push the erratic driver’s now immobilized vehicle off the road.
The driver identified as 54-year-old Andy Monticello was taken into custody. Monticello is presently charged with evading police and assault on a police officer, and additional charges are pending.
Monticello was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility ineligible for release on bond. As it happens, he also has an outstanding felony warrant from Arizona.
