Men Who Led Police Chase Through Pass Area Released From Custody

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Two men suspected of fleeing from Riverside County sheriff's deputies in a stolen car, leading them on a chase through multiple cities until abandoning the vehicle and attempting to run away, were out of custody Monday.

Dennis Tryone Smith, 23, of Hemet and Tony Lenard Williams, 23, of Detroit, Michigan, were arrested last week. Smith was booked into the Smith Correctional Facility in Banning on suspicion of felony evading, possession of a stolen vehicle, resisting arrest, reckless driving and being in possession of burglary tools. He posted a $100,000 bond and was released Saturday.

Williams was booked into the same jail for resisting arrest but was released on his own recognizance the same day.

According to sheriff's Sgt. Ken Hoon, about 3:50 p.m. Thursday, patrol deputies traveling eastbound on Highway 74, near Gilmore Street, in Hemet spotted a car confirmed stolen out of the area and signaled the driver, Smith, to stop.

Hoon alleged Smith floored it, and a "vehicle pursuit was initiated that traveled through the cities of Hemet, San Jacinto, Beaumont (and) Banning."

The suspects ended up stopping in the parking lot of the Morongo Casino Resort & Spa on Seminole Drive in Cabazon about 5:30 p.m. Thursday, jumping out of the car and allegedly running into a business, though Hoon did not specify whether it was the casino.

"After a short foot chase, Smith and Williams were taken into custody," he said.

No one was injured.

According to the sergeant, along with the stolen vehicle, deputies seized computer equipment taken during a theft.

Background information on the suspects was unavailable.