DAVENPORT — A 39-year-old Santa Cruz man remained jailed in lieu of $75,000 bail this week after allegedly hijacking a citizen’s pickup and leading police on a chase into San Mateo County.
Omar Raud Looney was booked Saturday by the California Highway Patrol on suspicion of felony vehicle theft and misdemeanor evading police, stolen vehicle possession, criminal threats, resisting arrest and DUI, according to Santa Cruz County Jail records.
The CHP Santa Cruz unit posted on Saturday the description of the same or a similar arrest that took place on Highway 1 near Davenport. According to the post, officers received a call about a pedestrian in the roadway around the time a community member driving in the area contacted a pedestrian.
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“As CHP arrived on the scene, the pedestrian jumped into the community member’s vehicle and fled in their pickup,” the CHP post stated. “CHP officers attempted to make a stop, but the vehicle failed to yield, initiating a pursuit.”
The driver reportedly dangerously evaded pursuing officers, heading north into San Mateo County. Sheriff’s Office deputies there ended the pursuit with the help of a tire spike strip, according to the post. CHP K9 Officer Rae reportedly “served as a visual deterrent” in apprehending the driver. CHP spokesperson Officer Israel Murillo declined to confirm the driver’s identity Monday, citing an ongoing investigation. No related criminal charges had been filed by the Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s Office, as of Monday afternoon.