Senior League Game Turns Into Unexpected Manhunt In Healdsburg Park

HEALDSBURG, CA — A late-morning traffic stop in Healdsburg spiraled into a multi-block chase, a crash, and a park-side takedown when senior baseball players stepped off the field and helped officers restrain a fleeing suspect accused of endangering a teenager and driving a stolen vehicle.

Healdsburg police said dispatchers received reports around 10:35 a.m. on Thursday about a vehicle on Powell Avenue with two occupants who appeared impaired. As officers moved in, the vehicle pulled away with its passenger door open and headed toward University Street.

Healsdburg police spotted the car stopped at University and Lincoln streets and attempted contact with the driver, identified as Jonathan Ortiz Espana, 20, of Windsor. Police said Ortiz Espana got back in the vehicle and drove away.

Authorities said the chase stretched several blocks along University Street, where the vehicle struck multiple parked cars. The pursuit ended, according to Healdsburg police, when Ortiz Espana lost control at University and Piper streets, hit a street sign, and disabled the vehicle.

Police said Ortiz Espana then ran toward Recreation Park, where members of the Redwood Empire Baseball League’s 72-and-older teams were playing.

Police said the senior players and an umpire saw the crash, chased the suspect, and helped officers restrain him until he was taken into custody by two officers.

Police later located a 14-year-old passenger. Emergency crews transported her to a hospital for evaluation, and notified her parents.

Ortiz Espana was booked into jail. He is suspected of statutory rape, unlawful penetration, child endangerment, and vehicle theft, along with misdemeanor charges including DUI, evading officers, hit-and-run, obstructing police, and furnishing alcohol to a minor.

Police said the girl knew the suspect and entered the vehicle voluntarily after meeting him the previous day in town, though officials said the seriousness of the alleged crimes involving a minor and intoxication.

The Healdsburg Police Department credited the initial caller and the senior baseball players for their help.