Probationer, Parolee Allegedly Lead Cops on Chase Ending in Crash

HEMET, CA - A parolee and a probationer who allegedly led Hemet police on a chase during which an officer was nearly struck were behind bars Thursday.

Michael Ray Kaphan, 24, and Justin Manuel Leon, 30, both of Hemet, were arrested Wednesday night following the pursuit. Both men were booked into the Smith Correctional Facility in Banning -- Kaphan on suspicion of parole violations, and Leon on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer, felony evading, reckless driving, vandalism and probation violations.

Kaphan is being held without bail; Leon is being held in lieu of $100,000 bail.

According to Hemet police Lt. Jeff Davis, a patrol officer spotted the driver of a Dodge Durango commit a traffic violation in the area of Campus Way and San Jacinto Street, on the north end of the city, and attempted to stop him about 7:15 p.m. Wednesday. However, the suspect -- later identified as Leon -- allegedly refused to pull over.

A chase ensued, and when a second patrol unit joined in, Leon allegedly attempted to ram the vehicle.

The driver veered into an industrial area near the intersection of Juanita Street and Oakland Avenue, where the Durango plowed through a gate and several fences before the SUV became disabled, prompting the men to bail on foot, according to the lieutenant.

Officers quickly apprehended the pair without further incident, he said. Neither the officers or suspects were injured.

According to court records, Kaphan has prior theft-related convictions, while Leon pleaded guilty in April to auto theft and was sentenced to 36 months probation.

— By City News Service.

(Booking photos, courtesy of Hemet Police show, show Michael Ray Kaphan, left, and Justin Manuel Leon, right.)