Mendocino County Deputy Injured While Pursuing Wanted Suspect in Ukiah
UKIAH, CA — Mendocino County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a male subject causing a disturbance in the 3900 block of North State Street in Ukiah on June 5, 2026, at approximately 8:27 p.m., initiating a sequence of events that ultimately left a Mendocino County deputy injured. Upon their arrival, deputies found no active disturbance or vehicles in the driveway. A nearby neighbor reported hearing nothing, and initial attempts to contact the residents were unsuccessful.
At 9:50 p.m., deputies returned to the same address following a second disturbance report. Authorities knew that a resident at the location, 23 year old Diego Vallejo, had multiple outstanding arrest warrants, including a felony warrant for reckless evading of a peace officer.
After receiving no response at the front door, a deputy checked a partially open side yard gate and observed Vallejo attempting to hide in the backyard. The deputy ordered Vallejo to exit and informed him he was under arrest, but Vallejo fled on foot through the yard. The pursuit route contained debris, narrow pathways, patio furniture, makeshift fencing, disabled vehicles, and landscaping materials.
During the pursuit, the deputy lost their footing in the debris, fell, and sustained a fractured right humerus. The deputy was transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation and treatment for a serious bodily injury.
Officers from the Ukiah Police Department arrived to assist and placed Vallejo under arrest. Authorities stated that the deputy’s injury established probable cause to charge Vallejo under California Penal Code 148.10 for resisting, obstructing, or delaying a peace officer resulting in serious bodily injury. Under California Penal Code 834a, individuals are required to comply with lawful commands during an arrest.
Vallejo was transported to the Mendocino County Jail, where he remains in custody as of 06/09/26.
According to jail records, his booking details include the following bond and offense data:
Headline Photo: Stock Image
