Suspect In Ditched Truck Heist Still Missing: Petaluma Police

PETALUMA, CA — A driver fleeing a California Highway Patrol officer sped through a Petaluma neighborhood mid-afternoon before abandoning a stolen Ford pickup truck at a dead end, triggering a multi-agency manhunt that led to one arrest and left another suspect on the run.

The pursuit began near Frates and South Ely roads when a Santa Rosa CHP officer attempted to stop the truck. Instead of pulling over, the driver sped away and raced into a nearby residential area before reaching the end of Calle Ranchero Drive.

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Authorities said two occupants jumped from the still-moving pickup and ran in opposite directions as the unattended truck rolled forward and slammed into a mailbox before stopping.

Additional CHP units, the Petaluma Police Department, and CHP Helicopter 30 joined the search as officers combed the neighborhood from the ground and air.

Investigators later found a female passenger hiding behind a residence in nearby bushes and took her into custody. The male driver escaped and remained at large Thursday.

Petaluma police said the Ford pickup had been reported stolen out of Napa County. Authorities also recovered suspected stolen property inside the truck.

Anyone with information should contact the CHP Golden Gate Communications Center at (707) 641-8300 after hours or the Santa Rosa CHP office at (707) 806-5600 during business hours.