The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A 19-year-old Wyoming man was charged with several felonies after authorities said he led officers on a dangerous pursuit, crashed into a tanker truck, and remained in a standoff for more than four hours.
According to court documents, the incident began when authorities responded to a welfare check after receiving a report that the man was intoxicated, had access to a firearm, and had sent concerning messages. Officers located him sitting in a Cadillac with a gun pointed at himself. When they approached, he allegedly drove away.
Investigators said the man reached speeds of up to 81 mph in areas posted at 40 mph. During the pursuit, he allegedly swerved toward patrol vehicles, drove into oncoming traffic, and fired a handgun toward a residential area. Authorities said he continued driving even after spike strips damaged one of his tires.
The pursuit ended when he allegedly steered into a tanker truck. The alleged victim, who was driving the truck, suffered injuries to her leg and shoulders after being thrown across the cab.
Authorities said the man then remained inside his vehicle for more than four hours while armed with a loaded handgun. Investigators alleged that he continued drinking alcohol during the standoff and made threats toward law enforcement personnel. The situation ended when officers deployed a flashbang device and chemical agents. Authorities said he exited the vehicle, dropped a 9mm handgun, and was taken into custody. Court records stated his blood alcohol content was measured at 0.127%.
As a result of the incident, prosecutors charged him with aggravated assault, possession of a firearm with unlawful intent, felony aggravated eluding, reckless endangering, and felony destruction of property.
The new case came only days after a separate DUI matter. Court records show the man had recently pleaded guilty to DUI, eluding, and careless driving after authorities accused him of fleeing a traffic stop while intoxicated. He was sentenced to 180 days in jail with most of the sentence suspended, received credit for time already served, was placed on two years of unsupervised probation, and was prohibited from consuming alcohol or entering bars and liquor stores.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a criminal offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.