Angels Camp, CA…On September 17th, 2016 at approximately 1:15 PM an officer from the Angels Camp Police Department attempted to make a traffic stop on a vehicle for expired registration, near the intersection of SR 4 and Angel Oaks Road. The officer recognized the vehicle and its occupants from prior contacts and was aware that the driver does not currently have a valid driver license. He was also aware that the passenger was wanted on an outstanding warrant for her arrest. The driver attempted to flee westbound on SR 4, reaching speeds in excess of 85 miles per hour. Assistance was provided by a deputy from the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office during the course of the pursuit. During the pursuit the suspect driver appeared to intentionally steer the vehicle toward oncoming traffic, causing other drivers to take evasive action.

As the suspect driver approached the intersection of SR 4 and Stallion Way he apparently began to experience mechanical issues with the vehicle he was driving, and he slowed to approximately 5 M.P.H. The suspect vehicle, a white 2001 Ford Mustang, eventually came to a rest on the south shoulder of SR 4, east of Stallion Way. The suspect driver was non-compliant and refused to exit the vehicle. A conducted energy device, commonly referred to as a Taser, was deployed on the driver after he refused to exit the vehicle and attempted to steer the vehicle in reverse toward the officer and deputy, who were standing near the suspect vehicle. The Taser was not effective and the suspect driver exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot. He had to be physically restrained and fought with officers as he was taken into custody. The female passenger was also taken into custody without incident. The suspect vehicle ignited into flames and started a small grass fire that had to be extinguished by fire department personnel.

Frank Joseph Soja, a 38 year old Angels Camp resident, was arrested and booked into the Calaveras County Jail on the following charges; Assault With a Deadly Weapon on a Peace Officer; Vehicle, Assault With a Deadly Weapon; Vehicle, Evading a Peace Officer, Resisting Arrest by a Peace Officer, Driving on a Suspended Driver License

Soja also had an outstanding felony warrant for his arrest, for charges related to a parole violation in the state of Texas.

The female passenger, Stacey Rae McBride, a 34 year old Angels Camp resident, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for her arrest, for charges related to a violation of probation and possession for sales of a controlled substance.