Stolen Car, Meth, and a BB Gun: Ukiah Police Arrests Two After Midnight Foot Chase

The following is a press release from the Ukiah 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 08-07-2024 at approximately 0116 hours, a Ukiah Police Department (UPD) Officer was on patrol conducting security checks in the parking lot of Kohl’s (437 N. Orchard Avenue). UPD has been made aware that there has been an increase in homeless activity in the parking lot, and the accumulation of trash has been increasing significantly.  

During the security check, the Officer observed a male and female subject inside of a white Toyota Highlander that had old “Dealer Plates” affixed to the front and rear bumper, which are no longer used in California. When a person purchases a vehicle, they are now issued a temporary paper license plate that is unique to that vehicle and owner. While speaking to the two subjects, additional UPD Officers arrived to assist. One of the Officers ran a records check on the vehicle’s VIN located on the dashboard just inside of the corner of the driver’s side windshield. UPD Dispatch advised the Officers that the vehicle was reported stolen out of Redding, CA.  

Both subjects had provided the Officer with names that did not return with any matches. This is common when criminals are trying to hide their true identity. Due to the vehicle being reported stolen, and both subjects providing false names and dates of birth, the Officer approached them to detain them in handcuffs. At that time the male subject, later identified through UPD resources as Lane Micheal Johnson, stood up and fled on foot.  Three UPD Officers pursued Johnson southbound through the parking lot and west towards N. Orchard  Avenue. The Officers were able to catch up to Johnson on the north side of McDonald’s in the JC Penny parking lot (205 N. Orchard Avenue), where he was tackled. During the apprehension of Johnson, he actively resisted by trying to pull away and refused to comply with lawful commands. UPD Officers were eventually able to place him into handcuffs without further incident. Suspected methamphetamine was located on Johnson’s person during a search incident to arrest.  

A UPD Sergeant who had arrived prior to the foot pursuit remained at the initial scene and detained the female subject, later identified as Hanna Fierro-McGarry.  

Johnson was escorted back to the initial scene and a search of the vehicle was conducted. Inside of the vehicle, multiple social security cards were located that did not belong to Johnson or Fierro-McGarry. There was also a replica Glock 19 handgun under the driver’s seat, that was later determined to be a BB gun. 

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After running a records check on Johnson’s true name, UPD Officers were advised that he had a felony warrant for burglary out of Del Norte County. Fierro-McGarry was determined to be a reported missing person out of  Redding, CA.  

Johnson was transported to the Adventist Health Ukiah Valley Emergency Room (AHUV ER) for a medical clearance prior to incarceration at the Mendocino County Jail. Fierro-McGarry was transported straight to the  Mendocino County Jail.  

As always, UPD’s mission is to make Ukiah as safe a place as possible. If you would like to know more about  crime in your neighborhood, you can sign up for telephone, cellphone, and email notifications by clicking the  Nixle button on our website; www.ukiahpolice.com.

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