Attempted murder suspect allegedly leads investigators on two chases before arrest

SAN BENITO COUNTY, Calif. (KION) A man was arrested and charged with attempted murder after an alleged assault at the Monterey RV Park and a chase with law enforcement.

The San Benito County Sheriff's Office said a man was severely beaten at the RV park on Highway 101 about a week ago, and his injuries were life-threatening. He was taken to a trauma center where he went through multiple procedures in an effort to save his life.

During the investigation, Daniel Hult was identified as the suspect.

The day after the assault, the Sheriff's Office said members of its staff tried to stop him and another man around McAlpine Lake on Anzar Road, but they allegedly led the deputies on a chase. Hult got away in San Juan Bautista, but Joaquin Escoto was arrested.

On Sunday, Hult was seen again around McAlpine Lake. Investigators said he was a passenger in a truck driven by Watsonville resident Felix Casillas. When deputies tried to stop them, they said there was another chase. It went from Canon Road in Aromas to the area just south of the Red Barn on Highway 101 where the driver pulled over.

Hult was arrested and booked into the San Benito County Jail on attempted murder charges, and Casillas was arrested and booked into jail on evading arrest charges.

One of the department's vehicles "fell victim to the pursuit" and had to be towed from the scene of the chase.