Police: Driver arrested on kidnapping, evading charges after Salinas pursuit

SALINAS, Calif. (KION) A man is facing kidnapping and evading police charges after officers said he led them on a slow-speed chase through Salinas.

Police said the suspect, 36-year-old Omar Chavez, cut off a Salinas Police Sergeant near West Market and Salinas streets. The sergeant tried to stop him, but said Chavez led him on a chase through south Salinas.

During the chase, Chavez called 911, saying he had a knife and would commit suicide if officers did not stop chasing him, according to police. The dispatcher said it sounded like there was a woman in the car, and later a woman called 911 saying she was in the car with Chavez, who had a knife and would not let her out.

The chase ended on Bridge Street just north of East Rossi when Chavez stopped his car. Police said they were going to conduct a high-risk traffic stop, but saw what appeared to be a struggle in the car between Chavez and the woman.

Officers fired four rubber baton rounds at the car, which broke the window. That allowed police to arrest Chavez.

Police said Chavez had minor self-inflicted injuries, but was treated and booked into the Monterey County Jail.