A 25-year-old man attempting to evade police led officers on a
short car chase through downtown Gilroy before crashing into a tree
Thursday afternoon, police said.
A 25-year-old man attempting to evade police led officers on a short car chase through downtown Gilroy before crashing into a tree Thursday afternoon, police said.
Ronnie Lujan was arrested on suspicion of theft, evading police and driving with a suspended license. His 16-year-old female passenger was treated for minor injuries then released from a local hospital.
The incident began shortly after 3:30 p.m., when a Gilroy officer spotted a stolen 1990 Honda CRX traveling west on First Street, police said. Officers followed the vehicle and attempted to stop it near the intersection of Third and Church streets. The driver failed to stop and continued south on Church Street then attempted to turn east onto Sixth Street. But Lujan was unable to control the vehicle and struck the tree.
Once stopped, Lujan climbed over his injured passenger and tried to run, but he was quickly apprehended, police said.
Anyone with information can contact Gilroy Police Department Detective Stan Devlin at 846-0335. Those wishing to remain anonymous may call 846-0330.
