Wanted Woman Leads Palo Alto Police On Chase, Punches Officer: PD

PALO ALTO, CA — A woman wanted by Fremont police for assault with a deadly weapon — her car — was arrested early Wednesday in Palo Alto but not before putting up a fight, police said. Officers first encountered 34-year-old Thornton resident Tyechia Denise Payton at about 1:23 a.m. Wednesday when a routine registration check revealed there was an outstanding warrant for the registered owner of a blue 2013 Hyundai Sonata, Palo Alto police Capt. Zach Perron said in a news release.

An officer proceeded to stop Payton on El Camino Real at Stanford Avenue. She initially complied with the officer’s commands, but then allegedly drove off, heading southbound on Stanford. With officers tailing her, she then headed south on Junipero Serra Boulevard before turning west on Page Mill Road into the Palo Alto foothills, Perron said.

Payton led officers to the 3200 block of Alexis Drive but when she discovered the roadway was a dead end she stopped the car, got out and allegedly punched one of the officers.

At that point, a second officer used a Taser in an effort to apprehend Payton but ran off, at which time a police dog was deployed, Perron said.

As the K9 caught up to her she allegedly struck it as she was being taken into custody.

Paramedics with the Palo Alto Fire Department responded to treat Payton for minor injuries suffered in her encounter with the canine. She was then taken to a hospital, which is a standard procedure when a Taser and/or police dog are used in the apprehension of a person, Perron said.

Once medically cleared, Payton was booked into Santa Clara County Main Jail on suspicion of felony evading, assault on a police officer and assault on a police dog, and misdemeanor resisting arrest.

"They also booked her for two outstanding warrants out of the Fremont Police Department: the felony warrant associated with her vehicle (for assault with a deadly weapon), and a misdemeanor warrant for traffic offenses," Perron said.

The captain noted that while having her jail mugshot taken, Payton made an obscene gesture which was edited from the photo prior to its release.

Photo courtesy Palo Alto Police Department