CHP: Motorcyclist with drugs flees on Santa Cruz Highway before DUI crash

 Posted on September 25, 2012 in DUI Drugs

Law enforcement says that the driver of a motorcycle refused to stop Monday. The California Highway Patrol says that an officer sought to conduct a traffic stop on allegations of speeding and equipment violations along Highway 17 around 8:00 Monday morning. Later, the CHP says that a Santa Barbara man driving the bike crashed. He now faces charges of drugged driving, evading and several drug-related charges.

Authorities assert that the motorcycle rider sped off from the attempted traffic stop heading south on the Santa Cruz Highway, eventually taking the exit for Mount Herman Road. Shortly after leaving the highway, the CHP says the motorcyclist lost control of the bike and crashed. Officers approached and say the 45-year-old became combative. Law enforcement pulled out a Taser-like device and reportedly subdued the motorcyclist while taking him into custody.

The CHP says that they believe the biker was driving under the influence of drugs at the time of the police pursuit. Officers say that the motorcyclist had a large amount of marijuana and methamphetamine in his possession. It is unclear in the media what amounts of each substance officials claim were seized. It is also unclear where the drugs were allegedly found.

In addition to the controlled substances, the CHP says the man possessed hypodermic needles and other items that authorities claim suggest the man had the intent to sell the controlled substances. The man was arrested on suspicion of DUI-drugs, evading, resisting and drug charges. Authorities say that the alleged drug crimes include possession with intent to sell.

Source: Contra Costa Times, "CHP: Fleeing motorcyclist caught with drugs on Mount Hermon Road," Cathy Kelly-Santa Cruz Sentinel, Sep. 24, 2012