A man wanted on multiple felony charges was the subject of a vehicle pursuit early Sunday morning by the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.
During the pursuit, the man rammed a law enforcement vehicle and later lost control of his vehicle and hit a fence, a news release said.
Even then the man, identified as Jose J. Lopez Jr., did not surrender to the Thermal Station deputies in pursuit but fled on foot; Dep. Sgt. Matthew Allert said in the release. The man was apprehended and taken into custody with the help of a Sheriff's Department service dog.
"During the vehicle pursuit, Lopez used his vehicle to ram pursuing Sheriff’s vehicles," Allert said. "At the conclusion of the vehicle pursuit, Lopez lost control of his vehicle and collided with a fence, disabling his vehicle."
The pursuit began on the 47000 block of Indio Boulevard in Indio as the deputies tried to apprehend Lopez at 1:25 a.m. on felony charges that included stalking, domestic violence and criminal threats; the release said. Rather than cooperate, Lopez fled in his vehicle.
The suspect's place of residence and age have not been reported.
Lopez was booked at the John Benoit Detention Center in Indio with additional charges added relating to the pursuit. The charges include assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer, felony evading, stalking, domestic violence and criminal threats.
Allert urges anyone with additional information that could help this investigation to contact Dep. Martin of the Thermal Station at 760-863-8990. For those who wish to remain anonymous, contact Valley Crimestoppers at 760-341-7867.