By Robert Salonga
OAKLEY, Calif. — An Oakley man led California Highway Patrol officers on a zig-zagging, 40-minute chase late Thursday night because he didn’t want his car impounded again, a CHP spokesman said.
William Martin, 21, avoided several spike strips aimed at stopping his car and drove 100 mph on the freeway and 70 mph on surface streets during a pursuit that spanned 38 miles and at least half a dozen cities in central and east Contra Costa County, said CHP Officer Tom Maguire.
He was eventually arrested after running from his car in Brentwood, where offices Tasered him after he resisted them, Maguire said.
Martin was booked into County Jail on suspicion of evading arrest, resisting arrest, driving without a license and throwing lit cigarettes from his vehicle during the pursuit. He is being held on $50,000 bail.
Martin told police at the time of his arrest that his car was recently impounded by Antioch police for driving without a license, and that he was trying to avoid having it happen again, Maguire said. After his arrest Thursday night, the CHP impounded his car.
The chase began about 11 p.m. after CHP officers stopped Martin and another motorist they suspected of racing on eastbound Highway 4 east of Bailey Road. As an officer approached Martin’s 1991 Honda Civic, the driver shifted into gear and sped off, Maguire said.
Martin traveled through Pittsburg and Antioch, repeatedly getting on and off Highway 4. At one point, he headed toward Concord on Kirker Pass Road and was able to avoid a spike strip set up in his path, Maguire said.
The driver then reversed course and headed back toward Pittsburg, alternating between Highway 4 and surface streets until he reached the Highway 4 bypass in Brentwood, where he exited for the final time. After avoiding a second set of spike strips, Martin abandoned his car on East Home Street, and ran off, Maguire said.
Officers caught up with Martin after a short foot chase and used a Taser on him when he resisted arrest, Maguire said. Martin was given medical clearance before he was taken to jail.
Maguire said despite the high speeds and duration of the chase, it occurred in generally light traffic. No injuries were reported.
Also riding in the car was Martin’s dog, which was taken by county animal control staff.
Copyright 2008 Contra Costa Times