Gun, Drugs Chucked From Truck During Hwy 9 Pursuit: Deputies

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA – Two individuals were arrested Wednesday night after a brief, low-speed pursuit on Highway 9 in Santa Cruz County during which one suspect purportedly tossed a loaded gun and drugs from the vehicle, according to officials.

After attempting unsuccessfully to stop a truck near San Lorenzo Valley High School in the Felton area, Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Deputy McKim was led on the chase until the driver eventually stopped in Ben Lomond, the agency said.

The truck's driver, Jason Shoemaker, was arrested on suspicion of possessing a loaded firearm, being a felon in possession of a firearm, destruction of evidence, driving under the influence and other charges, deputies said.

During the pursuit, Shoemaker's girlfriend, Kelsey Lemon, allegedly discarded from the vehicle a loaded .25-caliber handgun and narcotics -- items that later were recovered, officials said.

Lemon was arrested for suspicion of destruction of evidence and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Both were booked into the Santa Cruz County Jail, deputies said.

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--Images via Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office