3 Injured In Napa Police Pursuit Of Wanted Man

NAPA, CA — Three people were injured early Monday in Napa when a wanted felon allegedly led Napa police on a high-speed chase that ended in a collision. Napa police Lt. Brian Campagna said in a news release that the driver, Seamus Louis Gilshenan, was among those injured when Gilshenan's 2003 black Lincoln Aviator crashed into a tree on Silverado Trail, south of Hagen Road.

The pursuit began at about 4 a.m. Monday when Napa patrol officers tried to stop Gilshenan — a 29-year-old transient wanted for a felony violation of Post Release Community Supervision out of Sonoma County — in the area of Imola Avenue and Gasser Drive.

"Gilshenan failed to stop and Napa Police Officers pursued him with their patrol vehicle’s emergency lights and sirens activated," Campagna said. "Gilshenan drove recklessly and in excess of 70 MPH during the pursuit."

The lieutenant said Gilshenan, an unlicensed driver, led officers on surface streets in the city of Napa — allegedly in the opposite direction of traffic at times — before he eventually turned northbound onto Silverado Trail from 3rd Street.

"The vehicle Gilshenan drove left the roadway on Silverado Trail south of Hagen Road and struck a tree," Campagna said.

The crash left Gilshenan and two adult passengers injured. All three were taken to an area hospital and were admitted for treatment of undisclosed injuries.

Silverado Trail was closed until about noon Monday to accommodate the Napa Police Department Accident Reconstruction Team and Napa Police Department Investigations personnel.

City of Napa Public Works personnel also responded, placing traffic barricades to divert motorists off Silverado Trail to avoid traffic delays.

The investigation is ongoing and includes looking into whether drugs or alcohol contributed to the crash, Campagna said.

Gilshenan faces charges of alleged evading a peace officer, reckless driving, evading a peace officer by driving in the opposite direction of traffic, violation of Post Release Community Supervision and driving while unlicensed.

Anyone with pertinent information is asked to contact Napa Traffic Officer Aaron Medina at 707-257-9223 or amedina@cityofnapa.org. Anonymous tips can be sent by texting 707NPD and the tip information to 847411.

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