Behind the Badge
A 31-year-old man led officers on a high-speed pursuit before running into a stranger’s home to hide then surrendering to Westminster PD’s K9.
An officer a little after 2 a.m. on Sunday tried to make a traffic stop near Bolsa Chica Road and Garden Grove Boulevard on a suspected drunken driver in a black Mercedes SUV.
The driver instead took off on the eastbound 22 freeway, leading the patrol officer on a pursuit.
Driving up to 100 mph, the suspect finally exited in Santa Ana and stopped in the driveway of a a home in the 5400 block of 5th street, police said.
The man ran into the home through an unlocked door. Police later learned the man did not live there and did not know the residents.
Police evacuated the residents and called out its K9, Pako, to aid on the call.
Pako found the suspect hiding inside one of the bedrooms, and the man quickly surrendered, police said.
Police found a replica firearm and drug paraphernalia in the suspect’s car, and further investigation is being conducted to learn whether the suspect was driving a stolen vehicle.
Timothy Ray Rodriguez, of Santa Ana, was arrested on suspicion of felony evasion, probation violation, possession of drug paraphernalia, trespassing and driving on a suspended license.
Westminster Sgt. Eddie Esqueda said this arrest highlights why residents should be diligent in safeguarding their homes.
“Thankfully this came to a successful conclusion and there were no injuries,” he said. “It’s a good reminder to residents to always lock and secure your home at night, especially before going to sleep.”
The Westminster Police Department asks that anyone with information regarding this incident, or the suspect involved, to please call the Westminster police department at (714) 548-3212. Anonymous tips can also be reported to Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS; or visit their website at http://www.occrimestoppers.org/
