Angels Camp, CA…On Thursday January 15, 2026, at approximately 11:04 at night, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the area of Mono Way near Hillsdale Drive to investigate suspected theft after observing a man, later identified as Gideon Guy Griffin, age 37, of Angels Camp, California, check doors at a closed business, take bags from outside the business back to his vehicle and drive slowly around other closed businesses in the area.
A later record check of Griffin found he had an outstanding Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS) warrant for his arrest.

Upon initiating the traffic stop, Griffin failed to yield and fled in his vehicle, resulting in a pursuit. During the pursuit Griffin drove at high rates of speed and crossed into the opposing lane of traffic multiple times. In the area of Highway 108 near South Sunshine Road, Griffin was driving outside the designated traffic lane when his vehicle swerved, struck a traffic sign, left the roadway, and crashed into a ditch.

Following the crash, deputies rendered medical aid until emergency medical personnel arrived and assumed care. Griffin was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The California Highway Patrol responded and is conducting an investigation into the crash. Due to the ongoing investigation, no further information will be released at this time.