Slow-speed pursuit ends in Santa Ynez Valley
The California Highway Patrol, Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department and Santa Barbara police chased a suspect driving a utility van along Highway 154 through the San Marcos Pass toward Santa Ynez.
It started just before 7 p.m. Thursday after Santa Barbara police received a report of a stolen vehicle near Hope Ranch and Highway 101. Officers tried stopping the vehicle, but the suspect got out of the van, then jumped back in and took off. That started a 40-minute slow-speed pursuit.
NewsChannel 3 viewer, Lindsey Gould, and other drivers watched as the chase seemed to pass by them along Highway 101 in slow motion.
Once the suspect’s vehicle started up Highway 154, Santa Barbara police relinquished the pursuit to CHP and sheriff’s deputies.
Officers laid out a spike strip at Armour Ranch Road and Highway 154 to stop the suspect’s vehicle. A K-9 unit was released and the suspect who was armed with a knife surrendered. Authorities took the man into custody and called for an ambulance. The suspect reportedly suffered bite wounds but is expected to be fine.
Authorities tell NewsChannel 3 the man is wanted on felony and misdemeanor warrants.
Tune into NewsChannel 3 at 11 for the latest on this story.
