Suspected car thief nearly hits deputies during Boulder Creek chase

Two deputies are recovering in the hospital after chasing a suspected car thief in Boulder Creek.

The incident occurred around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Deputies with the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a suspicious car parked on Maywood Drive. The car was reported stolen from a dealership in San Jose.

The sheriff’s office told KION once deputies arrived the man became combative and tried to drive away, striking multiple cars parked on the street, narrowly missing two deputies.

“The suspect reversed the car in the direction of two deputies again and drove down a driveway and crashed through a fence,” said Sgt. Brian Cleveland.

The suspect allegedly got out of the car and ran into the woods but was arrested by deputies shortly after.

“The suspect continued to be combative after being placed under arrest and tried to kick out the windows in the patrol car,” said Sgt. Cleveland.

Two deputies were injured during the foot pursuit and taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The identity of the suspect is not known at this time. The suspect will be booked into the Santa Cruz County Jail for charges of assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a stolen vehicle, and resisting arrest.