Car chase results in one arrest
IMPERIAL — Imperial Police officers on Wednesday arrested a 21-year-old Westmoreland man they say led them on a lengthy highspeed pursuit through several cities.
Juan Carlos Lopez,
21, was booked into the Imperial County Jail on felony reckless evading, vandalism and being a felon in possession of ammunition.
His passenger reportedly avoided arrest by crossing over the border into Mexico.
Imperial Police Department Sgt. Max Sheffield said if investigators can identify the passenger of the car they can issue a warrant for his arrest if he were to ever try to cross the border into the United States.
At 1 p.m. Wednesday, IPD units responded to a report of a suspicious man looking into a vehicle near the Imperial Irrigation District parking lot in the area of K and 10th streets.
Police officers saw a man leaning into the passenger side of a dark blue Mercedes Benz, and when they tried to make contact with him, he got into the passenger seat of the vehicle in an attempt to flee.
Police pursued the vehicle and were joined by supporting units at the intersection of K Street and Barioni.
The vehicle did not stop there and continued southbound on State Route 86.
The driver and passenger allegedly began to throw items, including ammunition, out of the windows, striking and causing damage to police vehicles in pursuit.
The pursuit continued through the cities of El Centro and Calexico, reaching speeds of more than 110 miles per hour, IPD reported.
When the vehicle reached the downtown area of Calexico, near the west port of entry, the passenger reportedly got out of the vehicle into the pedestrian crossing lane before making his way into Mexicali.
IPD said Lopez drove the vehicle another few blocks and came to a stop on Villa Campina just east of Rockwood.
Imperial and Calexico Police officers were able to take Lopez into custody at that location.
IPD said it is working with the U.S. Marshall Service to identify the second suspect. Even if he is identified, he cannot be arrested and brought back to face charges, though, if identified, there would be an arrest warrant if he tries to cross the border.
After the chase and arrest, deputies and officers reportedly found multiple 9-mm rounds scattered on the route of the pursuit, though a gun was not found.
IPD thanked El Centro Police Department, Calexico Police Department, and the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office for the collaboration and ultimate apprehension of Lopez.