Wanted Suspect Arrested After Pursuit in Shasta County, Bail Set at $1.1 Million
COTTONWOOD, CA — “On Monday, August 3, 2026, Shasta County Sheriff’s deputies learned that 52-year-old Steve Gary Dinsmore was located at a residence in Cottonwood. Dinsmore was wanted on outstanding arrest warrants for a previous vehicle pursuit and elder abuse. It was also believed that Dinsmore may be armed with a firearm.
At approximately 9:18 PM, deputies spotted Dinsmore driving in the Cottonwood area and attempted to stop his vehicle in the area of Main and First Streets. Dinsmore did not stop and fled from deputies at a high rate of speed, initiating a pursuit. Spike strips were utilized and successfully deployed on Gas Point Road; however, Dinsmore continued to drive on deflated tires.
Dinsmore continued to lead deputies and officers from assisting agencies through a large area of south Shasta County, including surface streets and also I-5 and State Route 273. During this pursuit, Dinsmore violated speed laws and failed to stop at numerous stop signs and stop lights. A second set of spike strips were successfully deployed on Rhonda Road near the Anderson Walmart, deflating the last tire on the vehicle. Dinsmore continued to flee from deputies and officers. While travelling west on Gas Point Road, Dinsmore lost control of his vehicle while trying to make a right-hand turn onto Rhonda Road, and it slid to a stop in the driveway of a local business. Dinsmore was ordered to exit the vehicle; he complied and was taken into custody without further incident. A search of Dinsmore’s vehicle resulted in the discovery of live firearm ammunition and drug paraphernalia. The pursuit lasted approximately 20 minutes and covered more than 11 miles.
Dinsmore was arrested and booked into the Shasta County Jail on charges of 2800.2(a) VC Evade Peace Officer with Wanton Disregard for Safety, 2800.4(a) VC Evade a Peace Officer: Wrong Way Driver, 2800.1(a) VC Evade a Peace Officer, 22108 VC Failure to Use a Turn Signal, 20001(a) VC Hit and Run Resulting in Death or Injury, 21658(a) VC Unsafe Lane Change, 29800(a)(1) PC Felon/Addict in Possess/Etc. a Firearm, 11350(a) HS Possess Narcotic Controlled Substance, 11364(a) Possess Unlawful Paraphernalia, 30305(a)(1) PC Prohibited Person Own/Possess Ammunition, 422(a) PC Threaten Crime with Intent to Terrorize, 368(b)(1) PC Cause Injury to an Elder/Dependent Adult. Dinsmore’s bail is set at $1,100,000.00.
The Shasta County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Anderson Police Department, CAL FIRE Law Enforcement, and the California Highway Patrol for their assistance in this incident.”
