Man suspected of having stolen car, violating Shelter in Place arrested in Salinas

SALINAS, Calif. (KION) A man is facing several charges after police said he led police on a chase in a stolen vehicle while a Shelter in Place order is in effect.

Shortly before 1 a.m. Monday, Salinas police said officers tried to stop a vehicle that ran a stop sign near San Merino Way and East Romie Lane, but the driver accelerated and led them on a chase.

The chase lasted about 3 miles, according to police, and reached speeds of nearly 100 miles per hour before the driver made a left turn onto Cayuga Street from Clay Street without realizing it is a dead end.

Officers said the driver crashed into a fence leading to the back of Salinas High School. After that, police said the driver and two others in the vehicle ran away.

Police found two of the suspects, 18-year-old Angel Diaz and a 17-year-old male. They believe Diaz was driving the vehicle. The third person in the vehicle was not found.

While investigating, police said they found out that the vehicle was unreported stolen and that the same suspects had been arrested three days earlier in another stolen vehicle.

Diaz was booked into the Monterey County Jail and charged with evading, possession of a stolen vehicle, resisting arrest and violating the Shelter in Place order. Police said the juvenile was cited for resisting arrest and violating the Shelter in Place order before being released.