GREENFIELD — A Greenfield patrol officer observed a vehicle driving unsafely on July 6 at about 9:30 p.m.
The officer initiated a traffic stop, but the driver fled, traveling half a mile at about 20 mph. After stopping, the driver — Manuel Soto, 33, of San Jose — did not comply with officer directions and fled a second time.
Deputies from the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office successfully used a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver to disable the vehicle.
Despite further resistance, officers and deputies were able to place Soto under arrest.
Soto displayed signs of being under the influence of drugs, and officers were granted a search warrant to draw blood, which was done at a local medical facility.
He was transported to the Monterey County Jail for evading police, resisting arrest, DUI and other Vehicle Code violations.
“Our priority is keeping Greenfield safe, and we are grateful for the collaboration with the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office in ensuring our community’s safety,” police said.
