February 14, 2025 – Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office officials report that on Tuesday, February 4th, 2025, at about 3:30 in the afternoon, a deputy was patrolling in the area of Walmart when they recognized 23-year-old Phillip Montano, who had felony and misdemeanor warrants for his arrest. 

The deputy approached Montano as he got into the driver’s seat of a red Mustang, opened the driver’s door, and ordered Montano out of the car while also telling him he was under arrest. Montano physically resisted the deputy, started the vehicle, and fled at a high rate of speed. Montano’s vehicle slid around in the parking lot, causing a nearby person to have to quickly move to avoid being hit. As Montano fled in the deputy's direction, the deputy had to move behind another vehicle to avoid being hit.

Shortly after fleeing the area, a nearby deputy who had been responding as backup located Montano’s vehicle flipped over on Sanguinetti Road under the Hwy 108 overpass. Montano was able to crawl out of the wrecked vehicle and was taken into custody by deputies. 

After receiving medical care, Montano was transported to the Dambacher Detention Center where he was booked on the charges of 69(A) PC – Resisting an officer by means of force or violence, 23103(B)VC – Felony reckless driving in a parking lot and 245(C) PC – Assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer and his warrants.

Source & photo: Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office