June 15, 2023 - Amador County Sheriff's Office officials report that on June 14, 2023, at approximately 12:32 A.M. (0032 hours), an Amador County Sheriff's Office Deputy stopped a white Dodge Durango on Coal Mine Road near the intersection of Reservation Road in the unincorporated area of Ione for a window tint violation.  The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle provided the Deputy with a Nevada driver's license; however, a records check of the subject returned no match.  As the Deputy attempted to locate the subject's true identity, he (the driver) fled the area in the vehicle.

The Deputy pursued the vehicle as it continued south on Coal Mine Road.  As the vehicle approached the intersection of Camanche Parkway North, the driver was unable to negotiate the turn due to his excessive speeds.  The driver crashed through a fence and continued driving for approximately 300 yards through a field before exiting the vehicle and fleeing on foot.  After a short foot pursuit, the Deputy was able to apprehend the suspect without further incident.

A search of the suspect's vehicle revealed his California driver's license identifying him as 42-year-old Manuel Vega of Lodi.  A records check of Vega revealed he was on Federal Probation and had a confirmed felony warrant from the U.S. Marshals Service for weapons violations.  Additionally, a further search of the vehicle revealed a loaded, unregistered Glock 9mm handgun, methamphetamine, and a methamphetamine smoking pipe.

Vega was arrested on his warrant along with numerous, fresh felony charges related to evading, possession of a firearm by a precluded person, possession of a loaded, unregistered firearm, and possession of a controlled substance while armed.

Source & photos: Amador County Sheriff's Office