Washington Man Arrested After High-Speed Chase Through Stanislaus County
STANISLAUS COUNTY, California — A 33-year-old Washington man is in custody after leading deputies on a high-speed chase topping 100 mph through the Central Valley, crashing into a parked vehicle, and then attempting to flee on foot, officials confirmed.
Pursuit Begins on Highway 99
According to the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office, the pursuit began around 2 p.m. Sunday when deputies spotted a car speeding northbound on Highway 99 through Merced County. The suspect, later identified as Cory Chance of Everett, Washington, refused to stop even after patrol units activated lights and sirens.
Crash and Attempted Escape
The chase continued into Stanislaus County, where Chance eventually lost control and crashed into an unoccupied vehicle. Rather than surrender, he attempted to run, ducking under a parked truck in an effort to evade deputies.
However, he was quickly located thanks to the Sheriff’s Office’s unmanned aerial system (UAS), which spotted him from above and guided ground units to make the arrest.
Multi-Agency Response
Officials credited the swift coordination between multiple law enforcement agencies for ending the pursuit without injuries to bystanders. The Sheriff’s Office emphasized that the chase demonstrated both the dangers of reckless driving and the effectiveness of modern aerial technology in tracking fleeing suspects.
Charges Pending
Chance was taken into custody and is expected to face several charges, including:
- Felony evading police
- Reckless driving
- Property damage related to the crash
Further details on his arraignment are expected later this week.
The incident highlights growing concerns about high-speed chases on California highways, which frequently end in crashes or injuries. Authorities urged drivers to pull over when ordered, stressing that evading law enforcement only compounds legal consequences. Stay with us for updates on crime, public safety, and law enforcement news across California.