Motorcyclist Accused In 110-MPH Chase Through Sonoma County

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — No injuries were reported as a motorcyclist led Sonoma County sheriff's deputies on a high-speed pursuit early Thursday from Guerneville to eastern Santa Rosa, a spokesperson for the sheriff's office said.

Thomas James Taylor, 48, of Santa Rosa, attracted the attention of a deputy around 2:40 a.m. on River Road, sheriff's Spokeswoman Misti Wood said.

"[The deputy] noticed the rider was speeding in a 25-mph zone and did not have the license plate lit up," Wood said.

The deputy tried to pull the motorcyclist over on River Road near Orchard Road, but the rider, later identified as Taylor, drove away, Wood said.

Taylor is accused of leading deputies east on River Road, then left on Westside Road near Hacienda Bridge before continuing along back roads and eventually back onto eastbound River Road.

"Throughout the pursuit, Taylor regularly drove in the other lane and did not stop at stop signs to try to get away from deputies," Wood said. "His speeds varied on the narrow, twisty back roads with a top speed of approximately 110 mph on River Road. The deputies continuously monitored the road, weather, speed, and traffic conditions for the safety of the public."

The 20-minute, 28-mile chase continued onto Riebli Road toward Santa Rosa until Taylor, at 3 a.m., pulled into the driveway of his home in the 8300 block of St. Helena Road where he gave up, Wood said.

"Deputies determined Taylor had installed a license plate belonging to another motorcycle onto the sportbike he was riding, which had expired registration," Wood said.

Taylor's motorcycle was towed and he was booked into Sonoma County jail on suspicion of felony evading a peace officer, felony altering vehicle registration, driving on a suspended license and resisting arrest.

According to Wood, Taylor posted $20,000 bail and was released from jail.