Crime & Safety

Man Allegedly Rams Police Car During Chase in Santa Rosa

Jose Rafael Castillo, 20, was arrested.

By Bay City News

A 20-year-old Santa Rosa man allegedly rammed a police patrol car during a vehicle pursuit through the city early Sunday morning, police said.

Officers tried to pull over a silver Chevrolet Monte Carlo near Ashbury Avenue and Lee Street at about 1:15 a.m., according to Santa Rosa police.

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The suspect -- later identified as Jose Rafael Castillo -- allegedly refused to pull over and drove off through residential areas at speeds reaching 50 miles per hour, police said.

Castillo reportedly drove through traffic lights and stops signs as man as six intersections, police said.

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Officers tried to force Castillo to stop in the 1200 block of College Avenue, when the suspect turned his car around and rammed head-on into a patrol car, police said.

A second patrol car blocked his exit and the suspect was taken into custody.

The officer was not injured.

Castillo, a known gang member, was treated for minor injuries and booked into Sonoma County Jail for felony evading, assault with a deadly weapon, a gang enhancement, and two outstanding arrest warrants.

Copyright © 2013 by Bay City News, Inc. -- Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.

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