Santa Cruz officers arrest man after a pursuit into an area closed to traffic due to crews working

Santa Cruz officers arrest man that led them on a pursuit into an area closed to traffic due to crews working and then fled the area.

Santa Cruz Police said they arrested 46-year-old Charles Nelson, from Santa Cruz, after he led officers on a pursuit in a stolen truck.

A Santa Cruz officer patrolling on the Westside located the stolen truck parked on Chico Street on Tuesday just before 3 p.m. The officer followed the truck as it drove south on Chico.

According to Santa Cruz officers, a traffic stop was attempted, but the driver of the truck failed to stop to the officer’s lights and sirens and sped away.

The truck then turned north onto Swanton, which was closed off to traffic due to crews working on a large tree that had fallen onto the roadway 200 yards north of West Cliff.

Officers said Nelson drove through the yellow construction tape, over the median and continued north in the southbound lane of Swanton.

Officers said other responding officers had to end their pursuit due to excessive speed and reckless driving of Nelson.

Patrol officers said they continued their search for Nelson and found the truck abandoned at West Cliff and Cowell.

According to officers, they were able to locate Nelson thanks to the help of witnesses who reported seeing Nelson get out of the truck and headed towards the Dream Inn.

Several officers responded to the hotel, but officers were able to locate Nelson who attempted to blend in with guests inside the hotel.

Officers said the truck Nelson was driving was reported stolen a few days ago and according to offices Nelson was on probation for a previously stolen car charge.

Nelson was arrested and booked into jail on various charges.