Suspect Allegedly Driving Stolen Cupertino Truck Nabbed After Chase, Field Search In Morgan Hill

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA – A man wanted in Santa Cruz County was arrested, after a high-speed chase and with the help of a police canine, for allegedly stealing a truck from Cupertino, Morgan Hill police said today.

Morgan Hill officers ran a records check on a suspicious truck spotted near Tennant and Murphy avenues, and, after learning it was reported stolen, called for back-up units and attempted to stop the driver, police said.

The motorist, later identified as 31-year-old Daniel Cruz, allegedly sped away at a high rate of speed from the officers. The police halted the pursuit, saying Cruz' driving was "dangerous and reckless."

A perimeter was set up, and the vehicle was quickly located abandoned in a field, the department said. With the assistance of K-9 Officer Basco, the suspect was found within the perimeter and not far from the abandoned truck.

The department also learned Cruz was an outstanding felon from Santa Cruz County and wanted on warrants related to car thefts, police said.

Cruz was booked into jail in Santa Clara County on the Santa Cruz warrants and the new charges from Morgan Hill police for suspicion of felony car theft and felony evading. Additional charges are pending, the department said.

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--Image via Morgan Hill PD