Originally published 4-20-22 via Facebook
by the Salinas Police Department:
“Last night at 9:12 PM, officers attempted a traffic stop for vehicle code violations on a 2001 BMW at Amarillo Way and Nogal Dr., the vehicle did not yield, and a pursuit was initiated. The driver was later identified as Dionicio Garcia (18).
The pursuit lasted 12 minutes and 11.26 miles. Garcia did several laps through the Rider Ave., Las Casitas Dr., and Nogal Dr. area. He eventually took the Laurel Dr. extension across town and got onto northbound Hwy 101. Garcia exited on Sala Rd. and circled back around to N. Main St. He lost control in the 2300 block and collided with four parked cars causing significant damage.
Garcia and his juvenile passenger (14) both fled on foot. Garcia was apprehended by K9 Bolt. The juvenile was taken into custody a short distance away and a loaded 30 round 9mm magazine was found on the ground near him. The pursuit was retraced to possibly locate a discarded handgun, but none was located.
The juvenile was cited out to his parent, facing charges of resisting arrest and possession of the firearm magazine. Garcia was booked at county jail facing charges of evading, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, resisting arrest and hit and run.
The second pursuit…
Early this morning at 1:30 AM, an officer attempted a traffic stop on a 2017 Chevy Equinox for driving at a high rate of speed around Paloma Ave. and Key St. He tried to catch up to the vehicle which began driving in a reckless manner attempting to evade him.
The officer was able to catch up to it near John St. and Sanborn Rd.
He activated his emergency lights to conduct a traffic stop but the vehicle fled at a high rate of speed on John St. A pursuit was initiated, the vehicle drove with no regard to public safety as he failed to stop at stop signs or red lights. He turned the headlights off at John St. and Wood St. as he continued toward Abbott St.
Suddenly the vehicle drove onto Front St. stopped in the parking garage of Tynan Village apartment complex. A high-risk traffic stop was conducted, and the driver identified as Joseph Gomez (25) was taken into custody without incident.
Gomez’ vehicle was towed, and he was booked at county jail for evading and reckless driving.”
