Columbia, CA…On July 31, 2024, at approximately 10:00pm, a Sonora Area CHP officer monitored a call from Merced Communication Center advising that a Mariposa Sheriff Deputy was in pursuit of a silver sedan and the reason for the enforcement stop was due to the vehicle having multiple vehicle violations. They were traveling northbound on La Grange Road, approaching Bonds Flat Road at a high rate of speed. The CHP officer responded to the area and took over the pursuit on State Route 49 near Sims Road. The CHP officer pursued the vehicle, a 2012 Toyota Camry, for approximately 11 miles with speeds in excess of 90 miles per hour.

The vehicle traveled onto Saw Mill Flat Road and as it attempted to make a right turn onto Covington Mine Road, the driver lost control and crashed into an embankment. After the impact, the driver exited the vehicle and fled on foot. The CHP officers pursued the suspect on foot up the embankment until he was able to be apprehended.

The driver was identified as 31-year-old Faustino Vera of Sonora. Mr. Vera was placed under arrest and transported to the Tuolumne County Jail where he was booked for Felony evading. Alcohol and/or drugs are not suspected. This arrest is still under investigation.