Photo: Stock Image
Written By Robert McCullough
August 12, 2022 – Santa Barbara County, Ca. – An arrest warrant hanging over one’s head can certainly be a cause for consternation. However, few targets of law enforcement manage to demonstrate the determination to avoid apprehension by the cops to the extent demonstrated on the evening of August 6, 2022 by 29-year-old Lompoc resident Clinton Cellona.
According to Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department Public Information Officer Raquel Zick, Cellona was the subject of multiple arrest warrants when he was driving through the City of Orcutt at approximately 7:00 p.m. and allegedly committed a traffic violation which was observed by deputies on routine patrol. When Cellona spotted flashing red lights in his rearview mirror, rather than yielding, “he drove towards the Lompoc area while committing numerous traffic violations.”
While in pursuit of Cellona’s vehicle, the patrol deputies summoned “additional resources” that eventually brought SBSD helicopter Air Support, California Highway Patrol, Lompoc Police Department, and Sheriff’s K9 Units to assist in their chase. In spite of all the manpower on his tail, Cellona managed to evade contact with his pursuers, eventually fleeing on foot.
As the night darkened, “deputies exhausted their search” two hours later and all auxiliary units were pulled off the chase.
But just two hours later, deputies were notified of “a reported sighting” of Cellona and once again moved in for another chase. It didn’t take long for deputies to locate their man, whereupon they deployed “a less-than-lethal bean bag launcher” which promptly subdued him with injuries. Deputies then “provided first aid while medics responded.”
Cellona was then transported by helicopter to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital for treatment as he was booked in absentia on his outstanding warrants in addition to charges for evading arrest, obstruction of a peace officer, and loitering. He remains in custody on a no-bail hold.
