RIVERSIDE COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENTSheriff Chad Bianco |
| Press Release: | Vehicle Pursuit |
| Station Area: | Colorado River |
| Written Date: | April 4, 2021 | Time: | 9:53 AM |
| Incident Date: | April 3, 2021 | Time: | 3:47 AM |
| Incident Location: | Interstate 10 near Arrowhead Highway
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| Reporting Officer: | Sergeant Ed Reynoso
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| File Number(s): | A210930010
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| Jesus Alberto Tapia |
Details:
On Saturday, April 3, 2021, at approximately 3:47 AM, deputies assigned to the Colorado River Sheriff’s Station initiated a vehicle pursuit on a suspected impaired driver. The driver, later identified as Jesus Alberto Tapia (37-year-old of Glendale, AZ) fled from law enforcement and drove in a reckless manner at excessive speeds, weaving in and out of traffic, and nearly colliding with another vehicle. Tapia exited at an off-ramp from the interstate, failed to make the curve on the off-ramp, drove into the dirt, and proceeded to get his vehicle stuck. Tapia exited the vehicle and attempted to walk away but was immediately apprehended.
Further investigation revealed a loaded handgun and suspected narcotics located in the vehicle. Tapia was arrested and booked into the Blythe Jail for felony evading, possession of narcotics while armed, possession of narcotics for sale, transportation of narcotics for sale, and driving under the influence.
The investigation is currently on-going. Anyone with information on this case is encouraged to contact Deputy Phipps at the Colorado River Sheriff’s Station by calling (760) 921-7900.
For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau.