Man Arrested After Leading CHP On Pursuit In Stolen Truck

WATSONVILLE, CA — A 20-year-old man was arrested in Watsonville early Tuesday morning after leading officers on a short chase, according to the California Highway Patrol. Officers tried to stop a speeding Nissan pickup truck on northbound state Highway 1 near state Highway 129 at about 1:24 a.m., but the driver fled the area.

The driver, identified as Jesse Anaya Castillo, exited the highway at Green Valley Road and continued leading officers on a pursuit through surface streets, according to the CHP. The pursuit ended when he crashed into a tree on Green Valley Road near Maranatha Drive about 15 minutes later.

He allegedly tried to flee on foot, but was stopped and caused minor injuries to an officer during his arrest, according to the CHP. A passenger in the truck remained inside the vehicle, which was determined to be stolen.

Castillo was booked into jail on suspicion of felony evasion, vehicle theft, driving with a suspended license, possession of burglary tools, stolen property, controlled substances, resisting arrest and hit-and-run. The passenger was not arrested.

Neither alcohol or drugs were involved in the crash that ended the pursuit, according to the CHP, and the incident is under investigation.

By Bay City News

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