On 11/06/2012 at about 3:22 a.m., Hemet Police Officer Dean Benjamin was patrolling in the 700 block of west Whittier Avenue, when he saw a vehicle drive through the ‘Stop’ sign for southbound Tahquitz Street to eastbound Whittier Avenue, at a high rate of speed. As the officer attempted to catch up to the vehicle, it sped up and drove through another ‘Stop’ sign for eastbound Whittier Ave. to southbound Gilbert St.
A traffic stop was initiated in the 800 block of S. Gilbert St. and the vehicle accelerated away, southbound on Gilbert St. A pursuit was initiated that traveled through southern portions of the city at speeds reaching 65 MPH.
Ultimately, the driver lost control of the vehicle and collided into a concrete barrier in the area of Gilbert St. and Chambers St. The driver fled on foot, stripping off his clothes as he ran. Officers chased the suspect on foot and he was arrested after resisting the officers’ attempts to take him into custody. The suspect was transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in the collision. A search of the suspect’s vehicle revealed that he was possession of prescription drugs that did not belong to him.
Arrested: Chad Peters, 34 years old, Hemet resident.
Charges: Driving under the influence, possession of a controlled substance, and felony evasion.