On November 7, 2009, at approximately 10:19 p.m. a Santa Paula Police Officer who was on patrol observed a vehicle driving at a high speed in the area of E. Main St. The Officer followed the vehicle and attempted to make a traffic enforcement stop. The vehicle slowed to the speed limit however, the driver failed to yield to the officer’s lights and siren. The vehicle then drove throughout the city for approximately 16 minutes. During this time, the driver obeyed the traffic control signs and signals, and the speed limit, however he did not yield to the officer’s lights and sirens.

The California Highway Patrol became involved in the incident in the area of Palm Ave. and Santa Barbara St. The vehicle sped at a high rate of speed south on Palm Ave., failing to yield to for traffic stop lights. The vehicle entered State Route 126 and traveled east to the area of Sycamore Rd. The driver then drove the vehicle south on Sycamore Rd. and west onto the train tracks for a short period of time. The driver stopped the vehicle and fled on foot south into the dense orchards. An approximate quarter square mile perimeter was established around the area. Officers from the Santa Paula Police Department, California Highway Patrol, and deputies from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department responded to the scene to assist in the search for the suspect. Three police and sheriff canines, and the Sheriff’s Department helicopter were used to search for the subject. The subject was not located in the area.

Officers were able to identify the suspect as Rudy Ornelas, 29 years of age and a resident of Santa Paula. A warrant request has been issued for his arrest. He was the sole occupant in the vehicle. No officers or other persons were injured in this incident. This incident covered approximately 12 miles and lasted approximately 23 minutes.