Full Notification

On 4/12/14 at approximately 9:50 PM, The Sim Valley Police Department received notice from the California Highway Patrol that they were in pursuit of a fleeing suspect. The pursuit originated in the City of Huntington Beach due to the suspect failing to stop for an unknown violation.

The CHP informed Simi Valley Police Dispatch that the suspect may reside in Simi Valley, but did not officially request our assistance since they were still in Los Angeles County. The pursuit entered Simi Valley with several CHP units and a helicopter.

The suspect exited at Yosemite Avenue and the CHP continued to be the primary agency handling the pursuit. As the suspect got closer to the SV Town Center, the CHP requested the Simi Valley Police Department assume control of the pursuit. As the transition took place, a spike strip was deployed causing the suspect's tires to deflate. The pursuit ended safely in the Von's parking lot near Erringer Road and Cochran Street.

The suspect was uncooperative with police but was taken into custody without any force being used. Further investigation revealed he was impaired due to the consumption of alcohol. Officers located 5 empty "Coor's Light" beer cans, and one full can still cold to the touch.

The suspect is identified as William David Smalling, 43 years of age who resides in Simi Valley.

Smalling was booked in the Ventura County Jail for DUI and Felony Evading a Peace Officer.

Had Mr. Smalling simply stopped in the City of Huntington Beach, CA for the original minor violation, he would not have been arrested and charged with a felony crime spanning 3 counties. By evading police he made the situation more dangerous for the community at large and brought more serious criminal charges upon himself.