Sonoma County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested a Santa Rosa man after he led them on a high speed pursuit in Windsor. The incident began last night at about 7:30 PM when a Sheriff’s Sergeant observed a black BMW pull out of the Windsor WalMart at an erratic speed, causing several cars to slam on their brakes to avoid a crash.
The sergeant made a uturn and tried to stop the BMW but the driver, later identified as 30-year-old Timothy Spence of Santa Rosa, sped away going NB on Hwy 101 to the Central Windsor off ramp at speeds over 100 mph. Spence successfully negotiated the off ramp at Central Windsor. He then ran a red light at Old Redwood Hwy and continued to Lakewood Dr and Brooks Rd where he came to a stop as he crashed into three cars at that intersection.
Spence fled from his car and briefly escaped capture. Deputies found him running back in the area of the Hwy 101 underpass. After a short foot pursuit the deputies were able to catch him by taking him to the ground and handcuffing.
An investigation into the vehicle found that it had been reported stolen out of Marin County. The license plates had been taken off a different BMW and placed them on this stolen car to attempt to avoid law enforcement detection. Also in the car were various items that had been reported stolen in different thefts in Santa Rosa. A follow up investigation will determine if Spence was involved in these crimes as well. In the stolen BMW, Spence also had bolt cutters, a mask and a large amount of car keys, most likely used for stealing cars.
Ultimately Spence was booked for vehicle theft, possession of stolen property, evasion, hit and run and resisting arrest. He is being held on $20,000 bail.
CR: 171205025
Prepared By: Sgt. Spencer Crum
Media Inquiries: 707-565-3941
