Pajaronian file

Three people were arrested early Thursday morning following a high-speed chase and a crash on Highway 17.

According to California Highway Patrol officer Israel Murillo, the incident began when CHP officers were informed of three suspects in a silver sedan breaking into cars in Watsonville.

CHP officers were in the area of northbound Highway 1 near Freedom Boulevard when they spotted a vehicle matching the description. 

Officers then learned that the silver sedan, an Infiniti G35, was stolen. When CHP officers attempted to stop the car, the driver failed to yield, and a pursuit ensued. 

“The Infiniti evaded CHP officers in a reckless manner,” Murillo said.

Additional CHP officers positioned themselves on northbound Hwy 17 near Mount Hermon Road and successfully deployed a spike strip on the Infiniti, flattening one of its tires. 

That’s when the Infiniti crashed into the center median and came to a stop on Hwy 17 north of Summit Road. The car then caught on fire, and CHP helped the occupants exit the vehicle. Officers put out the car fire while the fire department made their way to the scene.

All three occupants were apprehended by CHP personnel at the scene. The suspects were arrested and charged with numerous felony offenses.

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Tarmo Hannula has been the lead photographer with The Pajaronian newspaper in Watsonville since 1997. More recently Good Times & Press Banner. He also reports on a wide range of topics, including police, fire, environment, schools, the arts and events. A fifth generation Californian, Tarmo was born in the Mother Lode of the Sierra (Columbia) and has lived in Santa Cruz County since the late 1970s. He earned a BA from UC Santa Cruz and has traveled to 33 countries.

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