Driver arrested after ramming CHP patrol car

CHP officers arrested a Santa Maria man Sunday, after he failed to stop for a traffic violation and tried to ram officers with his car.

According to the CHP, two officers tried to make an enforcement stop of a 1995 Jaguar driven by Joshua Robert Mitchell. Mitchell failed to yield, and led officers on a brief pursuit that ended in a public parking lot near 425 Capitola Avenue.

When the officers left their patrol car, they say Mitchell made a U-turn and accelerated toward the right side of the patrol vehicle. The passenger officer had to jump back into the car to avoid being hit.

Officers resumed their pursuit, and Mitchell made a second U-Turn, driving head on into the patrol car. Mitchell tried to run on foot, but was captured after a brief struggle with officers.

Mitchell was treated for injuries at a local hospital and booked into the Santa Cruz County Jail. His bail was set at $100,000.

The officers were treated for minor injuries at a local hospital and released.