Man Arrested for Allegedly Fleeing from Authorities Across Humboldt, Mendocino Counties
HUMBOLDT COUNTY, CA — A Shelter Cove man has been arrested for allegedly leading law enforcement on a high-speed pursuit through Humboldt and Mendocino counties.
According to a press release by the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began when deputies attempted to stop a vehicle being drive at high speed late on the night of Sunday, Sept. 21.
Deputies reportedly first observed a white Jeep Cherokee traveling westbound at a high rate of speed and attempted to catch up to the driver. They later saw the same Jeep heading southbound on Lower Pacific Road before it turned rapidly onto Machi Road into the parking lot of Mario’s Marina Bar, allegedly barely avoiding pedestrians and parked vehicles.
Deputies activated emergency lights and sirens, but the driver fled. The vehicle temporarily stopped near Toth Road, at which point deputies reportedly were able to identify the driver as Matthew James Hayes, 39, of Shelter Cove.
Authorities said Hayes then accelerated, striking the front passenger door of the patrol vehicle and injuring both deputies before fleeing again.
The pursuit continued until the California Highway Patrol took over near Redway. The chase then continued south on Highway 101 to Willits, where officers used a spike strip to disable the Jeep.
Hayes was taken into custody without further incident and booked into the Mendocino County Jail. One deputy was treated at a hospital and released. Both deputies sustained minor arm injuries.
An arrest warrant was submitted for Hayes in Humboldt County on suspicion of felony evading, assault with a deadly weapon, and obstructing or resisting an executive officer, authorities said.
