Pepper Spray, High-Speed Police Pursuit – Graffiti-Covered Van Gone Wild
Photo: the end of the line
VICTORVILLE ¬- A report of a subject-check on a man sleeping in a van at Village Drive & Rancho Road seemed innocent enough. But when SBSD – Victorville Police Department Deputy A. Curtis contacted the male in a graffiti-covered 2006 Chevy at 10:20 AM on 04/23/2020, escalation commenced on many levels.
Sergio Morales (41) of Montclair “was uncooperative and appeared to be under the influence of a narcotic,” said Mara Rodriguez. “At one point he reached for something in the van in non-compliance and then grabbed the deputy’s hand.”
When Morales was pepper-sprayed, he fired up the van and took off. Deputy Curtis attempted a traffic stop, to no avail.
“Driving on multiple city streets, Morales ran several stop signs and red lights and drove at excessive speeds,” said Rodriguez. “At times he drove into opposing traffic lanes in the direction of oncoming patrol vehicles.”
The highly-visible statement-covered vehicle careened back and forth throughout the 20-minute high-speed vehicle pursuit through Victorville’s city streets. Said Rodriguez, “Three attempts were made to end the pursuit using the Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT.)”
The third time was the charm – which ended the chase on Yucca Avenue, near Heartsease Lane. The wild ride culminated with the man refusing to comply with the directives of deputies, which resulted in a use of force to take the suspect into custody.
Victorville City Fire was called to the scene to address gas leaking from the van. Morales was rendered medical aid, then transported to a local hospital for further evaluation and treatment.
Morales was “subsequently booked at High Desert Detention Center for Evading a Peace Officer, Assault with a Deadly Weapon on a Peace Officer, and Obstructing/Resisting an Executive Officer,” said Rodriguez.
Anyone with information about the ongoing investigation of Case #172003645 is urged to contact Deputy A. Curtis at the Victorville PD (760) 241-2911 or Sheriff’s Dispatch (760) 956-5001. To remain anonymous, callers are advised to contact We-Tip Hotline 1-800-78CRIME (27463) or leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.
