Man arrested following pursuit, bad crash at Niblick and River Roads in Paso Robles

PASO ROBLES, Calif. - Paso Robles Fire and Emergency Services along with Paso Robles police responded to a bad crash in the area of Niblick Road and S. River Road on Sunday.

The crash occurred before 9:30 a.m. Sunday morning.

Paso Robles police said a man was driving a silver Mercedes at very high speeds while traveling eastbound over Niblick Bridge. An officer in the area saw the reckless driving and followed the vehicle.

While the officer was in pursuit, he saw the speeding car lose control and crash into two other vehicles in the intersection of Niblick and River Roads near the entrance to the Walmart parking lot.

The suspect, later identified as 24-year-old Ivan SandovalFarias, exited his car and fled the scene on foot, running southeast across the intersection toward the Chevron gas station.

Fortunately, officers were able to catch up with SandovalFarias and arrested him about 50 yards from the location of the crash.

Upon searching SandovalFarias, police report locating methamphetamine on his person.

SandovalFarias was transported to a hospital for medical clearance before being arrested and booked at the San Luis Obispo County Jail. He is being charged with a hit and run, felony DUI, being in possession of a controlled substance and driving on a suspended driver's license. His bail was set at $500,000.

Police said SandovalFarias is suspected of being involved in multiple other car chases over the past month including one with CHP officers earlier on Sunday, and other pursuits involving Atascadero police, Pismo Beach police and San Luis Obispo police.

SandovalFarias was on felony probation at the time of the crash. His license was also suspended and he had an outstanding warrant.

In regards to the crash, all three vehicles had major damage, however, no one sustained life-threatening injuries.

One occupant from the blue car was transported to Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center for treatment. The occupants of the White Ford Explorer were uninjured and are resting at home.

SandovalFarias was the only occupant in his vehicle.

Police said both east and westbound traffic between the 100 and 200 blocks of Niblick Road were being diverted while emergency personnel responded to the crash. CHP conducted traffic control during this time. Police announced that the roads were reopened around 1:30 p.m.