Redwood National and State Parks (CA)
Man Arrested For Vehicle Theft Following Pursuit

A multi-night law enforcement operation conducted over the weekend of July 17th at the Enderts Beach overlook parking area led to an arrest was for auto burglary and auto theft. The operation was undertaken due to a rash of auto burglaries and auto thefts that had occurred at the same location over the previous three weeks. A team of NPS and California Department of Parks and Recreation rangers watched as a vehicle left the area in a hurry around 1 a.m. on July 19th. After passing a marked law enforcement vehicle, the driver sped up significantly. After confirming that it was probably stolen, rangers began a pursuit. They saw the driver go through a stop sign and across Highway 101 onto a residential road, then lost sight of the vehicle on the residential streets. A methodical search of the area was begun and the stolen vehicle was found parked but still running. Rangers challenged the driver at gunpoint and ordered him to stop. Rather than do so, he attempted to flee in reverse, but flipped the vehicle on to its passenger side. The driver – who was the only occupant – was taken into custody at gun and taser point without incident. He was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and likely also under its influence. Once in custody, he complained of neck pain and was taken to Sutter Coast Hospital via Del Norte Ambulance. After being cleared at the hospital, he was taken to the Del Norte County jail. He is being investigated for auto burglary, auto theft, fleeing from law enforcement, and narcotics. CDPR will be the lead charging agency.