An 18-year-old Healdsburg man was sentenced to one year in county jail and three years’ probation after a high speed chase in June led to the discovery of illegal drugs, weapons and a large stash of cash.
The incident took place on June 14, around 12:22 a.m. when Healdsburg Officer Craig Smith was traveling northbound on Highway 101 and observed the defendant, Fabian Flores-Gonzalez, driving at an extremely high rate of speed.
Smith signaled for Flores-Gonzalez to pull over at the Dry Creek Road off ramp. He initially complied, but then sped off down the highway.
According to a press release from Sonoma County District Attorney, Flores-Gonzalez reached speeds of up to 93 mph, swerving across the freeway. He eventually slowed into the grassy median and tried to enter the southbound lanes of traffic, but was blocked by Smith and other responding Healdsburg officers.
Flores-Gonzalez then continued on foot, running across the southbound lanes, carrying a duffle bag.
Smith was then able to catch up to him, tackling him on the sloping embankment near the highway.
Officers searched Flores-Gonzalez’s bag and found an illegal semi-automatic firearm and a loaded revolver. Upon searching his car, a Dodge Avenger, officers found a quarter pound of hallucinogenic mushrooms, marijuana and a safe with $19,400 in cash.
Flores-Gonzalez pleaded no contest to charges of felony evading, possession of an illegal rifle and possession of narcotics.
Sonoma County District Attorney Jill Ravitch said of the case, “This defendant placed several motorists in danger with his reckless driving. Luckily, he was taken into custody without further incident.”
