April 16, 2026 – Sutter County Sheriff's Office officials report that on April 11, 2026, at approximately 12:05 p.m. CHP officers were dispatched to a report of a vehicle driving erratically and swerving southbound on State Route 99 in the Gridley area.
A CHP officer located the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop near Evans Reimer Road. During contact, the officer observed signs consistent with possible impairment and requested the driver exit the vehicle for further evaluation. The driver refused to comply. Additional officers responded to assist.
As officers continued their attempts to gain compliance, the driver fled southbound on SR-99 at normal speeds into Sutter County, resulting in a failure-to-yield situation. With assistance from the Sutter County Sheriff’s Office, spike strips were deployed, successfully disabling the vehicle.
The driver subsequently lost control and came to a stop near SR-99 and Bishop Avenue. Despite being surrounded and given lawful commands, the driver refused to exit and again attempted to flee. The vehicle lost control a second time near SR-99 and Paseo Road.
Officers positioned their patrol vehicles to prevent further escape. The driver then intentionally rammed two patrol vehicles, causing moderate damages. During efforts to take the driver into custody, the individual became assaultive, which including physical assault, biting, and active resistance resulting in minor injuries to one officer and assaults on assisting personnel.
Officers used control techniques and less-lethal force options to safely remove the driver from the vehicle and place them under arrest.
The driver refused Field Sobriety Tests ( FSTs) and ultimately refused to submit to a chemical test as required by law; therefore a search warrant was authored and later approved by a Butte County Judge to obtain the subject’s blood for blood alcohol content (BAC) and drug testing.
The driver was transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation, blood draw, and a booking clearance.
The driver was ultimately booked at the Butte County Jail for the following charges:
69 PC - Resisting Peace Officer
2800.2(a) VC - Felony Evading
594(a)(2)PC - Felony Vandalism
23152(g) VC - DUI Alcohol & Drugs
14601.2(a) VC - DL Suspended DUI
Source & photos: Sutter County Sheriff's Office
