Man on Probation for DUI Reportedly Arrested for Driving Intoxicated, Assaulting Deputies
UKIAH, CA
“On 11-23-2024 at approximately 00:42 A.M., Deputies with the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) were conducting a follow-up investigation in the 400 block of Observatory Avenue within the City of Ukiah, California. While conducting the follow-up investigation, Deputies heard a vehicle in the area which was driving in a reckless manner in violation of 23103 VC.
The Deputies, who were standing near their patrol vehicles at the time, observed the vehicle approaching them and attempted to stop the vehicle in order to question the occupants regarding the reckless driving. The driver of the vehicle, who was later identified as Rodrigo Chavez-Bejinez of Ukiah, accelerated toward the Deputies ultimately driving between them and speeding away. The Deputies followed the vehicle which was later identified as a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
The Deputies illuminated their overhead emergency lighting and siren and the vehicle failed to yield, resulting in a short vehicle pursuit. The vehicle pursuit ended when Chavez-Bejinez came to a large gate in the 600 block of Redwood Avenue. Chavez-Bejinez then put the vehicle in reverse and rammed an MCSO patrol vehicle, which was stopped behind him and occupied by a Deputy. None of the involved parties were injured during the incident.
Chavez-Bejinez was found to be on active probation out of Mendocino County with terms to include obey all laws and must have an ignition-interlock device. The vehicle being driven by Chavez-Bejinez during this incident was not equipped with an ignition-interlock device.
Officers with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and Ukiah Police Department (UPD) arrived on scene to assist with the continuing investigation. Chavez-Bejinez was ultimately arrested for two counts of 245 PC (Assault with a deadly weapon), 23247 VC (no ignition-interlock device), 1203.2 PC (Violation of Probation), 2800.1 VC (Failure to yield) by MCSO Deputies. Chavez-Bejinez was also placed under arrest by an Officer with CHP for 23152 VC (Driving under the influence of alcohol).
After his arrest, Chavez-Bejinez was transported to the Mendocino County Jail where he was booked on the above listed charges and was held in lieu of $32,500 bail.”
