GILROY
– The sound of the San Jose police helicopter could be heard
over the west side of town, along with the glare of a spotlight as
police searched for suspected car thieves.
GILROY – The sound of the San Jose police helicopter could be heard over the west side of town, along with the glare of a spotlight as police searched for suspected car thieves.
At least one suspect was still at large as of press time, according to Gilroy police Capt. Debra Moore. Police did arrest two of the stolen car’s occupants – 20-year-old Isaac Mathew Chapa and a 15-year-old male, both from Gilroy – after an extended car and foot chase that resulted an officer spraining his ankle while climbing over a fence.
The green 1998 Mercury Sable was stolen Tuesday in Gilroy and reported to police the next day, according to Moore. Police recognized the vehicle Thursday night and tried to pull it over, but Chapa, who was driving, led them on a chase. After driving through city streets, he reportedly stopped the car and fled on foot, along with at least two passengers.
Police arrested Chapa at 10:45 p.m. at 936 Howard Ave. He was booked into Santa Clara County jail on suspicion of four felonies: auto theft, receiving stolen property, evading police and resisting arrest resulting in serious injury to a police officer. He also had two outstanding warrants.
The juvenile’s charges were unknown as of press time.
