The following is a press release from the Fort Bragg Police Department. The information has not been proven in a court of law and any individuals described should be presumed innocent until proven guilty:
On May 3, 2024, at approximately 9:20 PM, officers were conducting routine patrol in the 200 block of Cypress Street., when they observed a vehicle driving westbound at a high rate of speed. The vehicle suddenly turned into the alleyway of the 600 block of South Franklin Street in an attempt to avoid law enforcement. Officers proceeded to follow the vehicle as it drove east onto Walnut Street turning north onto South Whipple Street. The vehicle began to accelerate gaining speed and failed to stop at a stop sign at the intersection of Whipple Street and Chestnut Street. Having observed multiple vehicle code violations, officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop. The vehicle, a 2019 Kia, failed to yield to officers and a pursuit was initiated.
The pursuit lasted for approximately 12 minutes, committed several traffic violations, and came to a stop at a dead-end road off of Sherwood Road. The driver of the vehicle was determined to be a 13-year-old juvenile accompanied by two additional juvenile passengers. All parties were detained upon contact and the passengers were released to their parents.
The driver of the vehicle was arrested, transported to the Fort Bragg Police Department and underwent the booking process. The Juvenile was cited and released to their guardian in violation off Vehicle Code 2800.2(a) – Evading Law Enforcement.
Anyone with information on this incident is encouraged to contact Ofc Baker of the Fort Bragg Police Department at (707)961-2800 ext. 226. This information is being released by Chief Neil Cervenka. All media inquiries should contact him at ncervenka@fortbragg.com.
