Suspect Sought In Windsor Stolen Vehicle Pursuit, Crash

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — Investigators with the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office were attempting Tuesday to identify a man who allegedly led deputies on an early-morning chase through Windsor that left a woman with crash injuries. The pursuit involving a stolen vehicle began at about 1:40 a.m. Tuesday on Windsor River Road when a deputy attempted to stop the driver of a black Honda Civic on suspicion of speeding and running a stop sign, sheriff's Sgt. Spencer Crum said in a news release.

The driver allegedly reached speeds of 70 mph during the pursuit, leading deputies westbound to Eastside Road, southbound on River Road and eastbound on Mark West/Porter Creek roads before crashing into a tree stump in the 2800 block of Porter Creek Road, the sergeant said.

"The driver was able to get out of the Honda and flee into the woods on foot, eluding deputies as they stopped to care for his injured passenger left behind in the front passenger seat," Crum said.

Once an ambulance crew arrived, the 32-year-old female passenger was taken to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital for treatment of injuries described as minor.

Meanwhile, deputies noticed there was a "for sale" sign on the car and called the phone number that was listed, Crum said.

The registered owner told deputies the car must have been stolen from a business park in Ukiah where they'd left it parked in an attempt to sell it, Crum said.

Tuesday morning, deputies were continuing their investigation into the suspect's identity, which included interviewing the injured passenger.

"He is wanted on charges of felony charges of auto theft, evasion, false imprisonment and hit and run causing injuries," Crum said. "The suspect has not been identified yet but if anyone knows anything about this crime, they are encouraged to contact Sheriff’s Dispatch at 707-565-2121 or leave a tip on our website at Sonomasheriff.org/silent-witness."

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