Knife-Wielding Driver Leads Pursuit In Santa Cruz, Police Say

SANTA CRUZ, CA — An Aptos man was arrested Friday after a bout of reckless driving and a police pursuit, police said.

James Johnston, 37, was arrested on suspicion of charges including brandishing a weapon, assault with a deadly weapon, hit-and-run and recklessly evading police with a car,the Santa Cruz Police Department said in a written statement.

Police first received calls of reckless driving in Santa Cruz around 7 a.m., with callers reporting a man was brandishing a knife and running cars off of Highway 17.

Police tried to stop the car on Ocean Street, but the car did not stop and a police pursuit ensued through Scotts Valley and into the Santa Cruz Mountains along Highway 17, police said. The driver continued to run cars and pedestrians off of the road, police said.

One driver suffered a minor injury when Johnston hit her car, police said.

The Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office, California Highway Patrol and Scotts Valley Police Department participated in the pursuit.

Meanwhile, officers learned the car was linked of a recent incident in which a gun was brandished and threats to shoot law enforcement were made, police said.

Police intermittently terminated the pursuit in the interest of public safety, but the driver's car stalled on Glenwood Drive in Scotts Valley. He sped off on a bicycle and was arrested a few blocks away, police said.

A knife was found in the car, police said.

Police continue to investigate the motive. Anyone with information is asked to contact investigators at 831-420-5820.