As of 10:13 p.m., scanner traffic indicates Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office deputies and California Highway Patrol officers are engaged in a vehicle pursuit north of Willits.
The involved vehicle is described a black Dodge Charger with oversized tires and was reported at points to be driving over 100 miles/hour.
As of 10:18 p.m., the driver had turned east from Highway 101 traveling upwards of 80 miles/hour on Highway 162.
The driver is reportedly known to carry firearms.
At one point during the pursuit, the suspect reportedly drove for extended distances in the southbound like while going north.
The reason for the initial stop was suspected driving under the influence and erratic driving.
UPDATE 10:22 p.m.: Pursuing officers are reporting the driver is throwing items out the window. At mile maker 6.5 of Highway 162, the suspect is reportedly driving upwards of 85 miles/hour.
UPDATE 10:25 p.m.: MCSO deputies reported there is a possibility the suspect vehicle is has two occupants. The deputy said the vehicle is averaging 80-90 miles/hour.
Also, there is indication Air Ops are inbound to assist with the pursuit.
UPDATE 10:31 p.m.: The suspect vehicle reportedly turned onto Dos Rios Road and CHP officers are reporting they lost visual.
UPDATE 10:38 p.m.: After losing sight of the vehicle, pursuing officers located the vehicle stopped along Poonkinney Road and seemingly abandoned.
UPDATE 10:48 p.m.: A deputy is reporting CHP officer are currently engaged in a foot pursuit of the suspects who reportedly fled down hill from the abandoned vehicle.
UPDATE 11:00 p.m.: A deputy reported he was CODE-4 at the scene with a tribal law enforcement. CODE-4 is used to describe when a situation is under control and safe.
Another deputy reported the suspects have yet to be located.
UPDATE 11:30 p.m.: Two suspects have reported been detained after they were briefly held at gunpoint.
Please remember that this story is unfolding. Information is being reported as we gather it. However, some of the information coming from witnesses and initial official reports could be wrong. We will do our best to get the facts but, in the case that something is inaccurate, we will update with correct information as soon as we can.
Thank you for the timely reporting, Matt!
Slap on the wrist. They’ll be back out endangering our lives in no time.
Was he wearing a crash helmet an using a 5 point harness?
At least the scumbag was wearing a mask….right?