Early this morning, Kirk Williams Jr, 43 years old, from Santa Rosa, was arrested for car theft, possession of a stolen car, and failure to yield. The car was reported stolen to the Santa Rosa Police Department on February 5th.
An alert deputy patrolling in the 300 block of Sebastopol Road spotted a stolen car, a grey Pontiac Vibe. The deputy saw a male sitting in the passenger seat when Williams jumped into the driver's seat and began driving eastbound on Sebastopol Road. The deputy followed the car and turned on his emergency red and blue lights to conduct a traffic stop. Instead, Williams started to slowly accelerate northbound onto Roberts Avenue towards the entrance to the Joe Rodota Trail. Williams drove the car up onto the trail to flee from the pursuing deputy. The Vibe traveled to the north end of the trail, where it meets the Santa Rosa creek. The Vibe stopped, and Williams was seen climbing out of the car. Williams jumped a fence and began running northbound on the railroad tracks towards 3rd Street. Incoming deputies and Santa Rosa Police Department Officers quickly set up a perimeter and, within a few minutes, found Williams hiding in the creek. The passenger was detained and later released.
Williams was arrested and booked into the Sonoma County jail for misdemeanor failure to yield, felony possession of a stolen vehicle, vehicle theft and a misdemeanor arrest warrant for DUI and resisting arrest. Williams is currently in custody and being held on $35,000 bail.
The Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to ensuring that people who commit crimes in our community are located and arrested for those crimes in the safest manner. Occasionally, the suspects disregard public safety for their gain. In those cases, it is up to the Sheriff’s Office to stop them while keeping the safety of our community first. While this pursuit was short, it was necessary to stop and arrest a person who has shown his intention to endanger the public. We thank those who were in the area of this pursuit for your cooperation and safe driving as peace officers worked to resolve this problem.
Prepared by: Sergeant Juan Valencia, Public Information Officer
Case No: 200213-007
Media Inquiries: (707) 565-3941
