Vehicle Theft Suspect Allegedly Struck Law Enforcement Vehicles, Deputy During Pursuit
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Two individuals were recently arrested in San Benito County after the alleged thefts of two vehicles and a law enforcement pursuit. One of the suspects allegedly rammed two Sheriff’s Office vehicles and struck a deputy, according to a press release by Hollister PD.
Just before 2 AM on March 22, officers had responded to a report that a white Corvette had been stolen from the 1000 block of El Cerro Drive. A San Benito County Sheriff’s deputy later spotted the vehicle, along with a second vehicle — a white Camaro — which had also been reported stolen driving southbound on Fairview Road.
The Camero was reportedly being driven erratically to prevent the deputy from getting close to the Corvette. Both vehicles then turned onto eastbound Lone Tree Road, and law enforcement lost sight of the Corvette.
Deputies and officers nonetheless pursued the Camaro to the end of Lone Tree Road, where the driver of the Camero then allegedly rammed two Sheriff’s Office vehicles and striking a deputy.
California Highway Patrol officers twice tried to neutralize the Camaro with spike strips without success.
The driver accelerated the vehicle and began driving erratically, then lost control and struck a pole near SR-156 and Monterey Street in San Juan Bautista. The occupants, the driver a 17-year-old juvenile and the passenger an 18-year-old whom the Sheriff’s Office did not name, were both arrested.
The passenger suffered moderate injuries from the crash but is expected to recover.
The Corvette was returned to its owner.
The deputy who was struck during the pursuit was treated and released at an area hospital, police said.
The juvenile was booked at the San Benito County Youth Services Center on suspicion of vehicle theft, evading a peace officer a reckless manner, conspiracy, and assault on a peace officer with a deadly weapon.
The passenger reportedly faces charges including vehicle theft, police said.
