CITY OF OJAI
POLICE DEPARTMENT
NEWS STORY
www.VCSD.org
Nature of Incident: Ojai Man Leads Deputy in a Vehicle Pursuit
Report Number: 18-115120
Location: Gorham Road at Grand Avenue, Ojai
Date & Time: 07/24/2018 @ 09:01 AM
Unit(s) Responsible: Ojai Patrol, Camarillo Traffic Unit and Ojai Station Detectives
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (Party), (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
Sterling, Morgan Ojai 23
Narrative:
On 7/24/18, a deputy observed a motorcycle traveling at a high rate of speed. The deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop and the motorcyclist failed to yield, committing several traffic violations as he attempted to flee. The motorcyclist was later identified as Morgan Sterling.
While fleeing from the deputy, Sterling showed no regard for his safety, pedestrians, or other motor vehicles on the roadway. His actions were so egregious that his failure to yield rose to the level of felony evading, a violation of 2800.2(a) CVC. During the pursuit, Sterling made a sudden illegal U-turn in front of the deputy’s vehicle which caused a collision that ending the pursuit.
At the conclusion of the pursuit Sterling was transported to the hospital for minor injuries. The City of Camarillo’s Traffic Unit responded and conducted the traffic accident portion of this investigation. In addition to these investigations, a California Driver’s License check was conducted and determined the Sterling did not have a Class M1 License issued to him at the time of this incident.
On 08/08/2018, Sterling came to the station with a family member, at the request of detectives, and was arrested for felony evading and reckless driving. He was booked into custody at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility, his bail is set at $55,000.00 he is scheduled to appear in court on 08/10/2018.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank members of the public for their on-going support and due diligence in providing information to assist our agency in solving crimes and determining the right course of action in investigations. We are better at what we do because of our community partnerships.
Prepared by: Detective J. Preciado
News Release Date: 08/09/2018
Media Follow-Up Contact: Detective J. Preciado 805-477-7042
Approved by: Captain James Fryhoff
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