SANTA MARIA Four juveniles were arrested and one other is outstanding in connection with a high-speed pursuit after a theft of alcohol from an Orcutt store, authorities said.
Just before 3 p.m. Wednesday, a sheriff’s deputy was notified of a theft that occurred at Spencer’s Fresh Market. A witness reported the juveniles fled in a white Chevy Tahoe. The deputy attempted to stop the vehicle as it left the parking lot but the driver sped away, said Lt. Erik Raney, sheriff’s spokesman.
The vehicle turned onto State Route 135 and was clocked at over 85 mph in congested traffic. Deputies in pursuit called off the chase citing public safety concerns. The vehicle continued to evade authorities and was involved in a collision in the intersection of South Broadway and East McCoy Lane, Lt. Raney said.
The juveniles fled following the collision. Four of the five were taken into custody and it was later determined the vehicle had been stolen out of Santa Maria an hour prior. The stolen alcohol was recovered. The Santa Maria Police Department is investigating the stolen vehicle and the collision, Lt. Raney said.
The driver of the vehicle, a 15-year-old male, was arrested on suspicion of felony evading, possession of a stolen vehicle, conspiracy, shoplifting, minor in possession of alcohol, resisting arrest and driving without a license. Three others, a 15-year-old female, a 14-year-old female and 13-year-old male, were arrested on charges of possessing a stolen vehicle and alcohol, conspiracy, shoplifting and resisting arrest. The driver and the 15-year-old female were booked into Juvenile Hall. The other two juveniles were released to their parents.
The fifth juvenile remains outstanding. An investigation is continuing.
