A wild chase in Manteca, California, ended dramatically after a man, accused of driving a stolen car, crashed into a utility pole. This all happened on Sunday afternoon, December 22, when deputies from the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office tried to stop the driver near Main Street and Industrial Park Drive. Instead of pulling over, the driver sped off, sparking a high-speed pursuit.
The chase took a tense turn as it moved from city streets into a rural area. But just when it seemed like the driver might get away, he headed back toward the city. Deputies were ready and used spike strips to stop the vehicle. The strips worked, causing the driver to lose control. Moments later, the car slammed into a utility pole with such force that it split the vehicle in two.
The crash threw the driver out of the car, but despite the terrifying impact, he was found alert and conscious by authorities. Emergency responders rushed him to a nearby hospital for evaluation. Once he’s released, officials say he will likely face several charges.
It was a chaotic and dangerous situation, but thanks to quick action from law enforcement, no bystanders were hurt. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in high-speed pursuits and reckless driving.