PIT Maneuver Brings Windsor Chase To An End: Police

WINDSOR, CA — A 34-year-old transient is accused of leading Windsor police on a pursuit Saturday night that ended when officers did a Pursuit Intervention Technique — PIT — that caused the suspect's car to travel down an embankment and land on its roof, a Windsor police sergeant said in a news release.

The string of events involving 34-year-old transient Tyrell Vargas started around 9:45 p.m. Saturday when a citizen parked near Windsor High School called police to report that a man in a red Pontiac had just driven up and pointed what appeared to be a gun at him, Windsor police Sgt. Dylan Fong said.

Deputies saw a car matching the description near the high school and tried to stop the driver, later identified as Vargas, but he kept going, Fong said.

Vargas drove south on Windsor Road and led deputies on a chase through town at speeds that mostly fluctuated 20 mph and 40 mph, according to the sergeant.

"It was learned during the pursuit, the registered owner of the vehicle, identified as 34-year-old transient Tyrell Vargas, was wanted by the Santa Rosa Police Department for an attempted vehicle theft that occurred earlier that day," Fong said.

Deputies put spike strips down across Conde Lane and successfully deflated Vargas' tires as he reached Conde Lane, the sergeant said.

Vargas kept going onto the southbound on-ramp to U.S. Highway 101, at which time the PIT maneuver — a slow-speed tactic designed to cause the suspect vehicle to spin out — was used to stop Vargas' car and prevent him from entering the highway, police said.

The car slid off the roadway and down an embankment, landing on its roof.

Vargas reportedly then got out of the car and ran about 500 yards through a field of tall grass, Fong said.

Deputies followed Vargas into the field and when they were close enough, took him into custody by deploying a Taser.

"A search of Vargas’ vehicle revealed no firearm; however, a small sized black hatchet was located," Fong said.

Vargas was taken to a local hospital for medical clearance, then booked into the Sonoma County Main Adult Detention Facility on suspicion of evading a peace officer, brandishing, resisting arrest, DUI/drugs, and violation of probation, Fong said.

Vargas remained in custody Monday; his bail was set at $35,000 pending a court appearance Tuesday, jail records showed.