(KRON) — Injuries were reported after a police chase on Highway 24 in the East Bay Wednesday night, according to California Highway Patrol. The suspect vehicle — which authorities say was stolen — crashed head-on into another vehicle after it was traveling westbound on the eastbound lanes.
At around 6:34 p.m., Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office deputies located a stolen car traveling on westbound Highway 4 near Bailey Road in Pittsburg. They tried to stop the vehicle on southbound Highway 242 near Solano Way, but the suspect drove away at a high rate of speed — resulting in deputies ending the pursuit.
Then, the sheriff’s office helicopter continued to follow the suspect vehicle. Authorities said the suspect exited on Acalanes Road, momentarily left his car and fled on foot to a residential area before getting back to his vehicle.
The suspect then drove westbound on Highway 24’s eastbound lanes, which shortly resulted in the aforementioned head-on crash. “Major injuries” were reported from the crash, CHP said.
The suspect and the other vehicle’s driver were injured and taken to a local hospital; the severity of their respective injuries is unknown at this time. The driver of the stolen vehicle was identified as Jesus Valdez, 35, of Oakland.
Valdez was arrested on charges of possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of stolen property, felony reckless evading, evading police causing injury, evading police by driving in the opposite direction and having an out-of-county arrest warrant for drug trafficking.
One eastbound lane was blocked after the crash, but all lanes have since reopened.
