The following is a press released issued by the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office. The information has not been proven in a court of law and any individuals described should be presumed innocent until proven guilty:
On 02-23-2021 at around 2:20 PM, a Mendocino County Sheriff’s Deputy was on patrol when he observed a Honda sedan stopped at the intersection of North Highway 1 and Oak Street in Fort Bragg, California.
The Deputy observed the vehicle was displaying expired registration. After a records check of the license plate through Sheriff’s Office Dispatch, the Deputy learned the vehicle was an active stolen vehicle reported out of Glenn County, California.
The Deputy briefly lost sight of the vehicle, but regained visual of the vehicle in the 400 block of South McPherson Street, at which time the Deputy attempted a traffic stop of the vehicle.
The driver (Jose Alfredo Huerta) refused to yield and quickly accelerated in an attempt to evade the Deputy, resulting in the Deputy initiating a vehicular pursuit.
During the pursuit, Huerta drove down a cul-de-sac with the Deputy following behind him. Huerta then conducted a U-turn and accelerated directly towards the Deputy’s vehicle, which was now stopped.
Huerta continued forward, without stopping, and struck the Deputy’s patrol vehicle. Both vehicles sustained moderate damage as a result of the impact.
Huerta continued past the Deputy with the pursuit continuing and an additional Deputy assisting in the pursuit.
In the area of the 800 block of South Franklin Street, Huerta drove onto a vacant lot and stopped. Huerta exited the vehicle and fled on foot.
Fort Bragg Police Officers were in the area at this time and also pursued Huerta on foot after he exited the vehicle.
Deputies and Fort Bragg Police Officers were able to apprehend Huerta a short distance away without further incident.
During the pursuit, Huerta drove the vehicle left of center into the opposing lane of travel to pass vehicles, and failed to stop at controlled intersections, with no due regard for the safety of others.
No persons were injured during the pursuit.
Huerta was arrested and transported to the Mendocino County Jail where he was booked for 2800.2 CVC (Felony Reckless Evading), 2800.4 CVC (Felony Reckless Evading – Wrong Way Driving), 496D PC (Possession of a Stolen Vehicle), and 12022.1 PC (Commit Felony while on Pre-Trial Release).
Huerta was determined to be on pre-trial release for a pending felony matter out of Glenn County.
Following Huerta’s arrest, Deputies contacted a Mendocino County Superior Court Judge for a request in bail enhancement and the Judge granted and ordered that Huerta be held on a “No Bail” status.
