Originally published as a Salinas Police Department Facebook post –
“On 8/4/2021 at 2;21 AM, Kern St. at Hwy 101 off ramp, SPD officer was traveling north on 101, when he located a reported stolen 2020 Ford Escape in front of him. A pursuit ensued when the officer attempted to stop the vehicle as it pulled into the parking lot of a motel on Kern St. The driver identified as Joseph Perez (37), led officers on a pursuit out of the parking lot, down Kern St., to the 1400 block of Alisal St.
Perez was unable to negotiate through the round-a-bout due to speed and hit a light pole on the north side of the street. The light pole was sheared off at the base, as was the vehicle’s driver’s side front wheel and suspension.
Perez continued driving for another 400 feet before fleeing from the car. Perez kicked in a side door of a residence in the 1400 block of E. Alisal St., ran through the residence and jumped over the fence on to Paloma Ave. Officers located Perez hiding in a shed on the property.
Perez was taken into custody and later transported to county jail on charges of possession of a stolen vehicle, evading, hit and run and resisting arrest. Perez was also out on bail for a robbery charge.”
