Officers from the California Highway Patrol arrested a 29-year old Yreka woman Tuesday night after she stole a vehicle parked at a Susanville gas station, led law enforcement on a dangerous, high-speed pursuit and finally crashed near Litchfield on US-395.
According to details released by the CHP, the victim of the theft, identified as Michael Gracia, had parked his vehicle at the Susanville Chevron leaving it unlocked and running as he walked into the store. From inside Chevron he observed his vehicle driving away.
Gracia ran after his vehicle but was unable to stop the theft. Multiple witnesses then reported the vehicle as a reckless driver, possibly driving under the influence.
Susanville CHP located the vehicle at the intersection of SR-36 and US-395 where an Officer attempted to conduct an enforcement stop. When the Officer activated the emergency lights and siren the suspect fled northbound on US-395.
As the CHP unit pursued, the suspect drove in a reckless manner, crossing over the yellow lines, driving on the shoulder, nearly going head-on with two vehicles and reaching speeds of up to 80mph in a 55mph zone.
The pursuit passed Mapes Lane in Litchfield where a CHP Officer performed a successful Precision Immobilization Technique maneuver. After the PIT, the vehicle went off the roadway, overturned, and struck a fence.
The suspect, identified by the CHP as Yreka, California, resident Mishell J. Wong, was taken into custody without incident.
The vehicle sustained major roll-over damage and the suspect sustained minor injuries.
The CHP was assisted by LCSO, SPD, CCC Inmate Fire Crew and Standish fire department.
CHP encourages everyone to lock your vehicle and never leave it unattended while running.
Comments are closed.