SANTA CRUZ — Two men and four minors from San Jose were arrested over the weekend following a police chase that began when their SUV rammed into a patrol vehicle and injured a police officer, authorities said.
The episode unfolded after a 911 call around 4:10 p.m. Saturday reporting a hit-and-run collision on Frederick Street, describing the driver of a black 2015 Mercedes-Benz SUV traveling “recklessly” and hitting other vehicles, and the occupants “engaging in dangerous behaviors towards individuals at various locations throughout the city of Santa Cruz,” according to a police news release issued Monday.
A Santa Cruz police officer found the vehicle in a parking lot on Mission Street and tried to conduct a traffic stop, but the driver instead collided with the officer’s vehicle, disabling it and injuring the officer, police said. Other responding officers tried to catch the SUV heading north on Highway 1 but ended the pursuit for safety concerns.
Some time later, Santa Cruz County sheriff’s deputies spotted the vehicle heading back to the city on Highway 1 and gave chase, turning the pursuit over to Santa Cruz police once the suspects entered city limits. Police deployed spike strips in the path of the SUV, slowing it down, and were joined by the California Highway Patrol to follow them.
The chase made its way through Mission Street, onto Highway 1 and then to northbound Highway 17 near Ocean Street where the vehicle stopped. The driver ran from the disabled SUV and into a nearby ravine but was arrested after officers sent a police dog to capture him, police said.
A second person who fled from the vehicle was soon arrested, and four people who stayed inside the SUV were also detained. Police said they later determined that the SUV carrying the suspects was stolen in San Jose.
The officer involved in the initial collision was treated at a hospital for what were described as moderate injuries. A second officer reportedly suffered a minor injury while participating in the arrests.
A 26-year-old man, an 18-year-old man, and four minors whose identities and ages were withheld from police — all of them San Jose residents — were arrested on suspicion of felonies encompassing hit and run, evading, DUI, vehicle theft, child endangerment, conspiracy, and resisting arrest.
Anyone with information for Santa Cruz police investigators can call 831-420-5820 or leave a tip at the SCPD website: santacruzca.gov/Government/City-Departments/Police/How-do-I/Leave-a-Crime-Tip.