BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The driver of a vehicle that led a California Highway Patrol officer on a chase on Interstate 5 during which he reached speeds of 120 mph, turned off his lights and passed vehicles on the shoulder, was convicted Friday, prosecutors said.
Arnulfo Quintana Sandoval was found guilty of recklessly evading a peace officer, a felony, and misdemeanor DUI. He faces up to three years in prison at next month’s sentencing hearing.
“In choosing to drive recklessly while under the influence, the defendant showed a blatant disregard for the safety of others,” Assistant District Attorney Ken Russell said. “That choice has a legal consequence, one that Sandoval must now face.”
On the night of Feb. 10, a CHP officer was stopped on the right shoulder of southbound I-5, north of Main Drain Road, when a dark-colored Porsche Cayenne — a crossover SUV — approached at 118 mph, according to a summary of the incident contained in a District Attorney’s Office release.
The officer activated emergency lights and siren and tried to pull the Porsche over, but its lights switched off and it sped away.
It continued south on I-5 at high speed, passing two semi-trucks on the right shoulder.
Exiting at Rowlee Road and Buttonwillow Drive, the Porsche entered a neighborhood and the officer lost sight of it.
The Porsche was later found parked on West 3rd Street near Buttonwillow Drive. Sandoval was in the front passenger seat and showed signs of being under the influence.
He was arrested after being identified as the registered owner and only occupant of the vehicle.