Two Morgan Hill women were arrested after evading police in a
highspeed pursuit on U.S. 101 that began in Gilroy and ended in
Morgan Hill, according to police reports. The chase reached speeds
of more than 100 mph.
Gilroy – Two Morgan Hill women were arrested after evading police in a highspeed pursuit on U.S. 101 that began in Gilroy and ended in Morgan Hill, according to police reports. The chase reached speeds of more than 100 mph.
Diane Gomez, 38, was driving a stolen vehicle out of Hollister with Martha Castro, 24, when they were pulled over at the intersection of 10th and Church streets shortly before midnight Monday, police said.
When officers tried to arrest the two, the women sped off heading north on U.S. 101.
A new law signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger Oct. 4, encourages law enforcement agencies to establish regulations for when and how suspects are pursued. The bill is an attempt to protect innocent bystanders.
Gilroy has a policy and officers took off in pursuit.
“It always makes you weigh what the (infraction) is, what the traffic conditions are, with what the pursuit will bring,” said Sgt. Kurt Svardal.
Officers can call off a pursuit at any time if it becomes dangerous.
Monday night’s chase, though considered a reckless offense for the suspects, was continued because traffic on the highway was limited, and speeds were reduced on city streets. At Dunne Avenue and Monterey Road, police caused the car to spin out of control and stop.
Gomez took off on foot, but was quickly captured. She was arrested on suspicion of driving a stolen vehicle, evading arrest, driving with a suspended license, and possession of burglary tools.
Castro was arrested on suspicion of vehicle theft, violating probation and evading arrest.
