Pursuit Arrest

On July 23, 2023, at approximately 1:35 a.m., a Chico Police Officer attempted a traffic stop on a white Ford Mustang for reckless driving in the area of Pillsbury Road/East Avenue. The vehicle failed to yield, and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit continued to the area of Meridian Road/Highway 32, where the driver of the Ford Mustang began driving back toward the City of Chico. Officers were able to position themselves on Highway 32 before entering the city and deployed spike strips in order to disable the vehicle and prevent further danger to the public. The spike strips successfully disabled the vehicle and the vehicle slowed to low speeds, significantly reducing the risk to the public, officers, and suspect. The pursuit concluded in the area of North Cherry Street and West 4th Avenue. Officers were able to safely take the suspect, identified as 24-year-old Chico resident Francisco Miguel Mendez into custody.

Mendez was arrested for reckless evading and DUI.

Location: North Chico Area

Victim: State of California

Suspect: Francisco Miguel Mendez (24-years-old)

Supervisor: OIC J. Saldano