Police arrest Clearlake man following pursuit; firearm recovered
- LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
- Posted On
CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Police arrested a Clearlake man after he led officers on a pursuit that ended in a wreck.
Cody Christopher Crouch, 22, was taken into custody following the pursuit, which occurred on Tuesday afternoon, according to a Clearlake Police Department report.
Just before 2:15 p.m. Tuesday, Officer Steven Diaz was on routine patrol in the area of 18th Avenue when he observed a white Honda Accord traveling eastbound on 18th Avenue with an expired registration, the report said.
Police said Officer Diaz attempted to conduct a traffic enforcement stop, however, the driver, later identified as Crouch, failed to stop for the emergency lights and siren.
Crouch led officers on a vehicle pursuit through the residential area of Clearlake known as the “Avenues.” Police said Crouch was driving at approximately 35 miles per hour on the dirt roads. At one point during the pursuit, the front and rear bumper were torn from the suspect vehicle.
During the pursuit, police said witnesses saw Crouch throw a firearm out of the vehicle. The firearm was later recovered.
After throwing the firearm, Crouch aimed his vehicle at an oncoming patrol vehicle, forcing the officer off the roadway to avoid a head-on collision. Police said Crouch then lost control of his vehicle and struck a parked car causing damage to the parked vehicle.
Crouch led officers to a remote area west of Seventh Avenue near the Cache Creek Apartments. Police said Crouch drove his vehicle into an empty field and crashed into a pile of rocks then fled on foot.
Officers responded to the area and set up a perimeter, according to the report. Crouch was observed running in the area by Det. Leonardo Flores and Det. Steve Hobb.
Crouch was taken into custody without further incident in the area of Dam Road near Lake Street, police said.
Police said Crouch was arrested on probable cause and booked in the Lake County Jail for multiple charges including felony evading, felony evading while driving on the wrong side of the road, felon in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of ammunition, felony probation violation, assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer, hit and run, destruction of evidence, armed while committing a felony and driving without a license.
Crouch remains in custody without bail on the felony probation, according to his booking sheet.