Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office Arrests Suspect After Highway 162 Encounter
MENDOCINO COUNTY, CA — “On 07/20/2026 at approximately 5:15 P.M., the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office Covelo Resident Deputy was patrolling the 46000 block of Highway 162 between Covelo and Willits, when he observed a black Chevrolet Tahoe traveling in the same direction ahead of him.
The Tahoe used a turnout to pull off the highway, allowing the Sheriff’s Deputy to pass. As the Deputy passed the vehicle, he recognized the driver as Manuel Rodriguez. The Sheriff’s Deputy was familiar with Rodriguez and knew he had two active felony warrants for his arrest. One warrant was for 3455(a) PC – Violation of Post Release Community Supervision, and the other was for 2800.2 VC – Reckless evasion of a Peace Officer.
Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS) is a form of community supervision established under California law for certain offenders released from state prison after serving a sentence for a non-serious, non-violent, and non-sex-registerable felony. Individuals placed on PRCS are supervised by the County Probation Department and are required to comply with specific terms and conditions of supervision.
Rodriguez had been sought by the Sheriff’s Office since June of 2026, when the warrants were issued by a Mendocino County Superior Court Judge.
As the Sheriff’s Deputy turned around to contact Rodriguez, Rodriguez also turned around and began driving eastbound and back toward Covelo. The Sheriff’s Deputy initiated a traffic enforcement stop; however, Rodriguez failed to yield, leading the Deputy on a slow-speed pursuit for several miles.
Rodriguez ultimately decided to stop the vehicle and was taken into custody without further incident. The Sheriff’s Deputy also detained the passenger, Donald Rettig. Rettig was determined to have an active felony warrant for his arrest for 1320(b) PC – Failure to appear, with the originating charge being 11395(b)(1) HS – Possession of a dangerous drug with two or more prior convictions. Rettig was also arrested without incident.
Rodriguez and Rettig were transported to the Mendocino Count Jail and both are being held on a no bail status. Rodriguez was additionally booked into the Mendocino County Jail on new charges of 2800.1 VC – Evading a Peace Officer, and 3544(a) PC – Violation of Post Release Community Supervision.
Anyone with information related to this incident is requested to contact the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office at 707-463-4086 (option 1). Information can also be provided anonymously by calling the non-emergency tip-line at 707-234-2100.”
