Bay Area Cruise Night Ends In Cuffs

SAN MATEO, CA — As car enthusiasts drove down a main drag Saturday in San Mateo, officers arrested a Fremont man who interrupted Cruise Night.

"While we encourage car enthusiasts to meet and share their passion, crime and traffic violations will not be tolerated in our city. Traffic signals exist for a reason and should never be disregarded. If you drink, do not drive. And if you are involved in a crash, you have a duty to exchange information," police said.

On Saturday evening, the City of San Mateo held Cruise Night, where thousands of car enthusiasts came to showcase their cars. Many use the private parking lots of businesses along S. El Camino Real to display their cars and line the streets to spectate those cruising.

At around 7:57 as police road with the other cars near the intersection of Avila Road and S. El Camino Real, a the driver of a Buick, later identified as Ronald Wetzel, 34, of Fremont, made an illegal turn in front of them causing the officers and others to slam on their brakes.

The driver of the Buick sped away as police tried to pull them over.

"The driver drove recklessly into oncoming traffic and through a red light, at which time the pursuit was terminated due to the amount of vehicular traffic and potential for harm to public safety," police said.

Another officer stationed south of the incident heard screeching tires and saw a Buick swerving, running a red light. Unaware of other officers' involvement, he attempted to stop the car. The Buick evaded, side-swiped a car, and continued fleeing. The driver "brake checked" the officer on a motorcycle, forcing him to maneuver to avoid a collision.

The Buick was finally stopped at 20th Ave. and S. El Camino Real due to stopped traffic, allowing officers to detain the driver and two passengers, police said.

Officers said they found an unloaded "ghost gun" with two magazines and extra ammunition in the vehicle. Wetzel showed signs of intoxication, had a .17% BAC and an arrest warrant.

He was arrested on the warrant and other charges, then booked into San Mateo County Jail.

The vehicle was towed, and the two passengers were released.