Stolen vehicle suspect arrested
At approximately 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 20, Willits Police Department (WPD) Officers responded to a BOLO (Beon-the-lookout) issued by the Fort Bragg Police Department (FBPD) for a stolen vehicle described as a grey, 4-door, Volkswagen Jetta.
According to a press release, an unknown number of WPD Officers positioned themselves on Highway 20 near the City of Willits, and “soon observed the vehicle heading eastbound into Willits at a high rate of speed.” WPD Lieutenant Hendry followed the vehicle while sharing his location over the radio. “The vehicle failed to yield to lights and sirens and proceeded across Main Street onto South Street and then northbound on Central Avenue.” Lt. Hendry proceeded to pursue the vehicle from Central Avenue to E. San Francisco Avenue, where the suspect, later identified as Joshua Ryan Frailey, 19, of Orland, made a left turn onto southbound Main Street in Willits.
The vehicle continued south on Main Street and eventually entered the Evergreen Shopping Center at the south end of town. At this point, WPD Sergeant Mccoy joined the pursuit, but Frailey turned the vehicle around in the Evergreen Shopping
Center parking lot and proceeded north on Main Street. While driving, Failey crossed double yellow lines to pass traffic near the Safeway parking lot, and when he attempted to turn into the Safeway parking lot near the gas station, the vehicle crashed into the digital fuel sign.
“The suspect fled from his vehicle and Lt. Hendry and Sgt. Mccoy gave chase on foot. The suspect wound up cornered against the businesses around South and Flower streets on the northeast side of the parking lot, where he was taken into custody by Lt. Hendry and Sgt. Mccoy.”
Frailey was transported to Adventist Health Howard Memorial Hospital and treated for minor abrasions to his forehead which he sustained when “he was taken to the ground during his arrest.” Both of the Officers were unharmed during the incident.
The stolen vehicle was impounded and FBPD was notified that it had been recovered. Frailey was transported to the Mendocino County Jail and booked on charges of vehicle theft, evading a police officer and various traffic violations.