Vehicle Pursuit

DATE/TIME: 05/13/2023 03:45 | LOCATION: E. Laurel/Towt

INCIDENT: Vehicle Pursuit/ Resisting Arrest/ Felony Warrants

REPORT #: 23-050392

WATCH CMDR: John Murray

An officer was in the area of E. Laurel Dr. and Towt St. when he observed a vehicle code violation and attempted a traffic stop. The vehicle, a gray Honda Accord driven by Jesus Alberto Cervantes (43), immediately accelerated running a red light in an attempt to escape. A pursuit ensued and Cervantes attempted to evade officers by traveling throughout East Salinas at a high rate of speed and driving on the wrong side of the road.

Cervantes took the 101 south on-ramp from E. Market Street and made a U-turn at the top of the on-ramp where he was broadsided by a 2015 Honda Accord driven by a 43-year-old man who was traveling approximately 70 mph. The collision caused Cervantes to spin out, and he lost control of his vehicle. He went off the highway and his vehicle came to rest approximately 15 feet down the embankment. Fortunately, the citizen survived the collision and was treated by paramedics and released at the scene.

Cervantes had to be extricated from his vehicle by the Fire Department, and he was transported to the local trauma center where he was treated for serious injuries. Cervantes was fleeing to avoid arrest for four felony warrants, and he will be booked in County Jail on fresh charges of resisting arrest and evading officers.