Solano County Teen Who Escaped Juvenile Hall Arrested After Crashing Stolen Van

By Bay City News Service

A 16-year-old boy who escaped Solano County juvenile hall in March was arrested Wednesday after crashing into two vehicles during a California Highway Patrol pursuit.

Kashius Brazeal, of Benicia, and 18-year-old Melvin Mason escaped the juvenile hall in Fairfield on March 14. Mason turned himself in on March 16, but Brazeal, who was in custody on burglary and attempted burglary charges, remained at large.

Brazeal was recklessly driving a 1993 Nissan Quest van containing two 16-year-old male passengers around 12:30 p.m. Wednesday on eastbound Interstate Highway 80 near Pena Adobe Road, the California Highway Patrol reported.

The Nissan driver continued traveling at 100 miles an hour then slowed to 85 mph and used the shoulder of the road to enter northbound Interstate Highway 580, Sgt. Jason Hekker said.

Brazeal continued driving at 100 mph and exited the freeway at Vaca Valley Parkway in Vacaville. The Nissan drove through a red light at the end of the off-ramp and struck the front end of a 1995 Chevrolet Camaro and a 2007 Saturn Relay that were traveling through the intersection, Hekker said. The drivers of those vehicles were not injured.

The Nissan continued through the intersection and stopped after hitting a pole and a dirt culvert, Hekker said.

Brazeal and a 16-year-old male passenger fled the vehicle. Brazeal was caught within a minute and one of the passengers was caught moments later, Hekker said. Both were taken to the North Bay Medical Center for medical clearance and booked into juvenile hall.

The third passenger, who was found hiding in the back of the van, was taken to the hospital for treatment of moderate injuries suffered in the collision, Hekker said.

According to the CHP, the van had been reported stolen in Vacaville.

Brazeal faces charges of evading police, possession of a stolen vehicle, driving without a license and resisting arrest. He was also wanted on a no bail felony warrant for violating his probation, according to the CHP.

The other two teens face charges of possessing a stolen vehicle and resisting arrest, Hekker said.

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