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At approximately 10:20 a.m. today, the Huntington Beach Police helicopter HB1 located a stolen white Prius traveling northbound on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) from Newport Beach into Huntington Beach.
Huntington Beach Police Officers responded and noticed the white Prius was in tandem with another vehicle, a gray Prius. Officers initiated a traffic stop, but both vehicles failed to stop, and a pursuit ensued northbound on PCH.
The driver of the white Prius lost control of the vehicle while making a right turn onto 5th Street in the downtown area, colliding with a planter. The female driver fled on foot and was tackled by a good Samaritan, leading to her arrest. In her failed attempt to flee on foot, the female discarded suspected narcotics and a firearm.
Officers continued to pursue the gray Prius northbound on PCH. A spike strip was successfully deployed at PCH and Warner Avenue, causing the vehicle to slow, and eventually collide with a structure in the area of PCH and Park Avenue.
The male driver attempted to flee on foot and went into the adjacent Harbour where we apprehended the suspect with assistance from Huntington Beach Marine Safety, California State Parks, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
The male suspect is currently in custody as well. There are no suspects outstanding, and the investigation is still ongoing.
In California, the penalties for the charges noted above can be quite severe. Here’s a breakdown:
- Evading Police:
- Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail and/or a fine up to $1,000.
- Felony: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in state prison and/or a fine up to $10,000.
- Narcotics Charges:
- Simple Possession: Typically a misdemeanor, punishable by probation, a fine, or up to 1 year in county jail.
- Distribution/Trafficking: Felony charges with sentences ranging from 3 to 9 years in state prison, depending on the type and quantity of the drug.
- Vehicle Theft:
- Grand Theft Auto (Felony): 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in state prison.
- Petty Theft (Misdemeanor): Up to 6 months in county jail and/or a fine up to $1,000.
- Firearm Charges:
- Unlawful Possession (Misdemeanor): Up to 1 year in county jail and/or a fine up to $1,000.
- Unlawful Possession (Felony): 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in state prison.
These penalties can vary based on the specifics of the case and any prior criminal history.
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