Suspect on the run calls 911 to lure Santa Cruz deputies away from him–didn’t work

A man is behind bars this morning after attempts to distract law enforcement while pursuing him for outstanding warrants.

Around 3:30 p.m. yesterday, deputies went to Cole Mertes’ house on Hillview Dr in Felton to arrest him for three outstanding warrants. 

When they arrived, deputies say Mertes ran from them and they quickly set a perimeter.

While hiding, Mertes called 911 claiming there was a man with a gun at the San Lorenzo Valley High School football field in what seemed like an attempt to lure Deputies away from him. The school was placed on lockdown and searched, but no one was found. 

Dispatch traced the call back to Mertes’ neighbor’s home, a number Mertes had previously used and was associated with him. 

Deputy Matthews found Mertes in his neighbor’s backyard and he was arrested for his outstanding warrants, obstruction and making a false report of an emergency – both felonies.