Citizens aid Rocklin cops in tracking reckless teen driver

ROCKLIN — (Jan. 20) Thanks to some helpful residents, Rocklin police officers were able to arrest a reckless driver late Tuesday afternoon.

According to the Rocklin Police Department, one of their officers sighted a black Volvo fishtailing at a high rate of speed through the intersection of Rocklin Road and Pacific Street. The officer followed the Volvo, attempting to make an enforcement stop but the Volvo’s driver, 18-year-old Derek Bayless, 806 Knott Court, Auburn, allegedly refused to stop. Police stated that Bayless attempted to evade the officer by speeding through residential area. Bayless then abandoned the car in a drive way, fleeing on foot.

Several alert citizens, the police department said, told the officer which direction Bayless had gone. Thanks to other eyewitnesses, the Rocklin police were able to track down and apprehend Bayless near the train depot.

Charged with felony evading of a police officer, Bayless was booked at Placer County Jail and subsequently released on bail.

The case is still under investigation.