The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A driver was arrested last Saturday and is facing multiple felony charges after a series of incidents along State Route 99, including allegedly ramming patrol vehicles and assaulting officers, according to the authorities.
During efforts to take the driver into custody, the individual allegedly became combative, biting, and physically resisting officers. The authorities said one officer suffered minor injuries. Patrol vehicles had already been positioned to block the roadway when the driver reportedly rammed two of them, causing moderate damage.
Earlier in the incident, spike strips were deployed with assistance from the Sutter County Sheriff’s Office, which reportedly disabled the vehicle. After coming to a stop near SR-99 and Bishop Avenue, the driver allegedly refused to exit and later attempted to flee again, losing control a second time near SR-99 and Paseo Road.
The situation began earlier that afternoon, around 12:05 p.m. on April 11, when the authorities received reports of a vehicle allegedly swerving and driving erratically southbound near the Gridley area. An officer located the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. During that contact, the officer reportedly observed signs consistent with possible impairment and asked the driver to step out, but they refused.
Officers later used control techniques and less-lethal force to remove the driver from the vehicle. The driver reportedly declined to perform field sobriety tests and refused a chemical test. A judge later approved a warrant to obtain a blood sample for alcohol and drug testing.
Following the arrest, the driver was taken to a local hospital for evaluation and a blood draw before being transported to the Butte County Jail.
The driver reportedly faced charges including felony evading, resisting a peace officer, felony vandalism, driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, and driving on a suspended license related to a prior DUI.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a DUI offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.