The original pursuit of 54-year-old James Smith began on Wednesday, March 4, around 10:00 p.m. Based on preliminary reports, police attempted to do a routine traffic stop on a 1992 Honda Accord for failing to stop at a stop sign.
Based on police statements, Smith driving the vehicle and his girlfriend, whose name has not been released, was in the passenger seat.
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Instead of being compliant, Smith took the officers on a short chase. He turned into an orchard off of Kraft Avenue which was near the initial site of the traffic stop. Once he was in the orchard, his car hit a tree. He then tried backing away from the tree, but instead backed into one of the patrol cars chasing him.
Smith evacuated his car and took off on foot. Corning Police called assistance to the crash scene for help in tracking down Smith, who was currently in the wind. The Tehama County Sheriff’s Office sent deputies and their K-9 Unit to aid in the search.
The California Highway Patrol H-16 Helicopter Crew was dispatched to help with the search. Despite their best efforts, Smith remained at large after the accident.
Upon searching the vehicle, police confiscated several drugs, including 1.6 ounces of methamphetamine. The police issued a warrant for his arrest. They didn’t have to wait long for their efforts to pay off.
Just after 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 5, Corning Police were able to arrest Smith at a residence in Corning. They have not officially released all of the charges he is facing.