17-year-old driver leads law enforcement on nighttime vehicle pursuit in Mendocino County

Matt LaFever, kymkemp.com

At approximately 10:15 on the evening of August 24, 2021 Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office deputies attempted a traffic stop on a black Dodge ram which resulted in a vehicle pursuit exceeding speeds of 100 miles per hour and the eventual detainment and citation of the 17-year-old driver and 19-year-old passenger.

Sergeant Matthew Harvey of the California Highway Patrol Garberville Office told us the pursuit began on Highway 101 near the intersection with Reynolds highway after MCSO deputies attempted to stop the vehicle for “oversized tires,” a safety concern associated with vehicle being too high off the ground which can throw mud and other hazards behind a vehicle. CHP was requested to take over the pursuit while MCSO deputies continued to assist.

Sergeant Harvey said CHP’s Laytonville’s resident post officer got into position and took over as the primary unit continuing north on Highway 101 where the vehicle reached speeds of 100 miles per hour.