CHP: High-Speed Near Ukiah Pursuit Leads to Arrest of Bay Area Man for Evasion and Meth Possession

The following is a press release issued by the California Highway Patrol. The information has not been proven in a court of law and any individuals described should be presumed innocent until proven guilty:

05-16-2022, at approximately 0951 hrs., Mendoza-Gonzaga was observed driving a Hyundai Santa Fe at excessive speed on US-101 S/B. Mendoza-Gonzaga was pulled over by a CHP patrol unit, who contacted Mendoza-Gonzaga through the open, right side, passenger window. Upon being informed the reason for the stop and requested license, registration, and proof of insurance, Mendoza-Gonzaga informed the Officer that he did not have a driver’s license. When the Officer asked for the ignition keys to the Hyundai, Mendoza-Gonzaga sped away from the traffic stop on US-101 S/B.

The CHP Officer initiated a pursuit with Mendoza-Gonzaga, which reached speeds of 120 MPH, Mendoza-Gonzaga traveled recklessly on US-101 S/B until reaching Perkins St. Mendoza-Gonzaga then exited the wrong way on the Perkins St. ramp at US-101, at which time the pursuit was canceled and enforcement vehicles from the CHP, Ukiah PD and the MCSO searched the area for the Mendoza-Gonzaga and the Hyundai.

With assistance from the public and Ukiah PD, the Hyundai was located abandoned in the south parking lot of Big Lots on S, Orchard Ave. The interior of the Hyundai contained loose ammunition and a baggy containing a white, crystalline substance. The Hyundai was determined to be a previously reported stolen vehicle. Mendoza-Gonzaga was located on Leslie St. and Gobbi St. after public assistance identified him. Mendoza-Gonzaga was subsequently arrested by the CHP and charged with numerous violations, including Felony Evading and Vehicle Theft.

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