On January 15, 2013 at approximately 6:00 a.m., a Santa Rosa Junior College District Police Department Officer was patrolling the area of Steele Lane and County Center Drive. The officer was stopped on Steele Lane, in the left hand turn lane, facing west when he observed a grey Chevrolet Suburban without its headlights on during darkness traveling east on Steele Lane. The Chevrolet passed by the officer who then completed a U-turn and positioned himself behind the Chevrolet in order to make a traffic enforcement stop. The driver, a possible male subject wearing a hooded sweatshirt, accelerated away from the officer and continued to travel eastbound on Steele Lane.
The Chevrolet traveled at a high rate of speed and went through the Steele Lane and Mendocino Avenue intersection in a reckless manner. The officer continued to follow but from a distance for public safety reasons. The officer came upon the vehicle abandoned on Beverly Way just south of Crest Drive in Santa Rosa. Santa Rosa Police Department (SRPD) officers and other SRJC PD officers responded to the scene and searched the area. However, at this time the suspect is still outstanding.
The officer contacted the registered owner of the Chevrolet who resides in Cloverdale. It was discovered that the vehicle was stolen from the owner’s driveway at some point during the morning of January 15th, unbeknownst to the owner. The owner recovered his vehicle at the scene.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this case can contact the Santa Rosa Junior College District Police Department at (707)527-1000.
