Joseph Lopez

On 01-09-2013 at approximately 1207 hours, while patrolling the parking of lot of the Santa Paula Motel, Officer’s observed a Hispanic male exit the driver’s side of a white Hyundai. The vehicle was found to be reported stolen out of the city of Ventura. The suspect subsequently got back into the vehicle and left the Motel westbound on E. Main Street. In the area of 12th and Main Street, Officer Keathley attempted to initiate a traffic stop on the vehicle. The vehicle sped away at a high rate of speed northbound on 12th Street.

Due to heavy traffic conditions and students being released from area schools, Officer Keathley discontinued his attempt to purse the vehicle. Officer Keathley maintained a visual on the vehicle which had made a left turn into the north alley of E. Main Street from 12th Street. The vehicle continued west though the alley towards 10th Street. As the vehicle entered the northbound lane of traffic on 10th, it collided into a vehicle which was northbound on 10th.

The suspect exited the driver’s side and fled on foot. As Officers gave chase, the subject ran into the business of 964 E. Main Street where he was subsequently taken into custody. The suspect was identified as Joseph Lopez, 24 out of the city of Fillmore. Further, Lopez was found to have an outstanding misdemeanor warrant for narcotic related offences.

Lopez was charged with evading arrest, hit and run with injuries, possession of illegal narcotics and vehicle theft.

Senior Officer Macias #1020