On Monday, February 15, 2010, at approximately 9:30 a.m. Santa Paula Police Officers responded to the Santa Paula Motel, located in the 1400 Blk. of E. Main St. for the purpose of serving an arrest warrant for Mario Hernandez, 26 years of age and a resident of Santa Paula. The subject had two warrants reference drug use.

As officers were at the location, Hernandez was observed fleeing on foot, running west on Main St. Officers pursued Hernandez through several industrial properties. At one point, Hernandez turned towards officers, reached into the front of his waistband and removed a silver colored object, holding it in his hand. Officers continued to chase Hernandez. (Upon the arrest of Hernandez, the object was found to be a cellular phone.)

Hernandez climbed over two barbed-wire fences and continued to flee. He refused to comply with officers’ orders to stop, and at one point struck a patrol vehicle, bending the exterior mirror. Santa Paula Police Officer John Coffelt and his canine partner “Jack” located Hernandez in an industrial lot. Officer Coffelt ordered Hernandez to stop fleeing however, Hernandez refused to comply with the order. Canine “Jack” was used to apprehend Hernandez. Hernandez sustained minor injuries as a result of the arrest. Hernandez was found to have injured himself as a result of climbing over the barbed-wire fence.

Hernandez was treated at the scene by Santa Paula Fire and A.M.R. personnel, and taken to the Santa Paula Hospital. Hernandez was lodged at the Ventura County Jail for the warrants. He was also charged with Resisting, Obstructing or Delaying a Peace Officer. He has a set bail of $10,000. His court appearance is pending.

Ryan Smith # 1021
Police Sergeant