Sonora, CA…On January 18, 2018, at approximately 1123 hours, CHP Officer Gowin was on duty in a marked CHP patrol vehicle traveling southbound on Stockton Road, approaching State Route 49. A 1995 Honda CBR 600 motorcycle, driven by Christopher Rommel, was traveling directly in front of the State Vehicle and was exceeding the posted speed limit. Rommel turned southbound on State Route 49 and Officer Gowin activated the emergency lights and siren to make an enforcement stop. Rommel looked over his shoulder at the patrol vehicle and immediately accelerated and began passing traffic, crossing double yellow lines into the opposing lane. The reckless driving exhibited by the Rommel posed a grave risk to the motoring public. Officer Gowin elected to discontinue the pursuit turning off the emergency lights and siren, and subsequently lost sight of Rommel south of Golf Links Road.

Rommel continued to travel southbound on State Route 49 and attempted to rapidly decelerate just north of Fifth Avenue. Rommel lost control of his vehicle and it overturned onto its side. At approximately 1125 hours Officer Gowin located Rommel pushing the motorcycle down a dirt embankment west of the roadway in an attempt to conceal himself and his vehicle. Officer Gowin contacted Rommel and placed him under arrest. Rommel sustained minor injuries from the collision and was medically cleared for booking at Adventist Health, Sonora.

Rommel was subsequently booked into Tuolumne County Jail for reckless evading, driving on a suspended license, possession of a meth pipe, and possession of another’s ID, Checks, and debit cards with intent to defraud.