DUI Offender Admits Driving Drunk, Fighting with Cops

BANNING, CA - A probationer who led Hemet police on a brief pursuit and scuffled with officers when they took him into custody pleaded guilty Wednesday to misdemeanor charges and was immediately sentenced to four months in jail and five years probation.

Tony Ponce, 30, of Hemet admitted one count each of driving under the influence and resisting arrest under a plea agreement negotiated between the prosecution and defense. In exchange for his admissions, the Riverside County District Attorney's Office dropped a charge of eluding law enforcement.

Superior Court Judge Jorge Hernandez imposed the sentence stipulated by the two sides.

According to Hemet police Lt. Jeff Davis, a patrol unit spotted Ponce's vehicle weaving in traffic in the area of Mayberry Avenue and Santa Fe Street about 11:45 p.m. Saturday. The patrolmen signaled the defendant to stop, but he sped away, triggering a three-block chase on the east end of the city, Davis said.

Ponce pulled over in the 900 block of Leslie Drive and turned combative when officers approached his vehicle, according to the lieutenant. As officers attempted to handcuff the probationer, he struggled to get away but was unsuccessful, Davis said.

No one was injured.

According to court records, Ponce was on probation for a domestic violence conviction and also has prior misdemeanor convictions for reckless driving and DUI.

– By City News Service / Image via Shutterstock