Valley Springs, CA…On January 18, 2024, at around 2:00 p.m., Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office deputies attempted to conduct an enforcement stop of a vehicle on Highway 12 in Valley Springs, CA, due to its expired registration. The driver of the vehicle refused to comply and tried to evade deputies by dangerously maneuvering into oncoming traffic when they turned onto Chestnut Street. Deputies continued to pursue the vehicle as it continued through downtown Valley Springs, with the vehicle reaching speeds of about 65 miles per hour. The pursuit then led to Paloma Road, where the driver lost control and crashed into an open field about a mile East of Watertown Road.

Following the crash, three individuals fled the car and ran on foot into the field. The deputies pursued them and were able to apprehend one of them quickly, 20-year-old Mary Jeffcrum of Mountain Ranch, as she tried to escape. The other two suspects, identified as 25-year-old Gabriel Gurion of West Point and 32-year-old Michael Lyle of Pioneer, CA, continued to run from deputies. They were both eventually caught within a few hundred yards from the crash site.

Gabriel Gurion and Michael Lyle sustained injuries that required medical attention, and they were airlifted to an out-of-county hospital. Mary Jeffcrum was taken to a local area hospital. All three suspects were medically cleared and booked into the Calaveras County Jail.

During the incident, deputies found a semi-automatic handgun discarded by the suspects, and a subsequent search of the vehicle yielded a rifle and a small amount of methamphetamine.

Gabriel Gurion, who had an outstanding felony warrant for probation violation, has been charged with fleeing from deputies. Michael Lyle had three confirmed felony warrants out of Amador County and faces charges for felony vehicle evasion, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of a firearm as a prohibited person. Mary Jeffcrum has been arrested for resisting, delaying, or obstructing a peace officer.

This incident is a reminder of the risks law enforcement deputies face daily and their commitment to protecting our communities.