Press release - Pursuit Ends in Arrest

Published 12/28/2009 (all press releases for this day)

DETAILS:

An attempt by Oxnard police to stop a motorist for a minor traffic infraction led to a short pursuit, crash, injury to a passenger and arrest of the driver for multiple felonies.

Officers Joe Floriano and Derek Stephens were on routine patrol when they observed a green Volvo fail to stop for a stop sign at First Street and Roosevelt Avenue. When the officers illuminated their overhead red and blue lights, the driver of the Volvo sped off and a short pursuit, lasting a total of 37 seconds, ensued.

The driver lost control of his car and collided into a fence in the 300 block of Cooper Road. The driver fled from the disabled car, leaving his injured passenger, Martina Elena Duran, 31 years, of Oxnard, behind. The driver was found hiding nearby and was taken into custody after a brief struggle with officers.

Manuel Simentel Lopez, 41 years, of Oxnard, was treated at St. John’s Regional Medical Center, for injuries sustained in the crash. Passenger Duran was also treated at St. John’s for her complaint of pain and was arrested for possession of narcotic paraphernalia and outstanding warrants.

Lopez’s charges included, felony evading, felony hit and run, driving on a suspended driver license, resisting arrest, possession of narcotic paraphernalia, being under the influence of a controlled substance and outstanding warrants.

Both subjects were booked into the Ventura County Jail. Bail for Lopez was set at $60,000.