LOS ANGELES, CA – A 20-year-old man from Bakersfield was arrested early New Year’s Eve after allegedly stealing a pickup truck from a driveway and leading police on a multi-county pursuit, authorities said.
According to the Simi Valley Police Department, the incident began around 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday when a resident in the 3000 block of Fletcher Avenue reported hearing the sound of his truck’s engine starting outside his home. Upon checking his driveway, the resident found the vehicle missing and broken glass scattered on the ground.
In a statement, police said the victim could still hear the distinct sound of the truck’s exhaust from nearby streets, prompting him to contact authorities.
The stolen truck, described as a black and white RAM with temporary license plates, was quickly located by a Simi Valley officer traveling eastbound on the 118 Freeway. When officers attempted a traffic stop, the driver refused to yield, initiating a pursuit that spanned multiple jurisdictions.
The chase continued along the 118 Freeway into Los Angeles County before the suspect lost control of the vehicle while attempting to transition to the 405 Freeway, police said. The truck collided with a concrete barrier, leaving the front half of the vehicle perched on the edge of the structure.
Authorities said the driver, later identified as Jose Loeza, fled the crash site on foot but was quickly apprehended by officers.
Loeza was confirmed to be the sole occupant of the vehicle at the time of the pursuit and was arrested without further incident.
He was booked at the Ventura County Sheriff’s Jail on charges of vehicle theft, reckless evasion of a peace officer, and obstructing or delaying an officer.
The Simi Valley Police Department noted that the investigation remains ongoing and additional charges could be filed as details continue to emerge.
Authorities have encouraged anyone with information about the incident to contact the Simi Valley Police Department’s non-emergency line at 805-583-6950.
