Jamestown, CA…On 02/01/2019, at approximately 1:14 am, Officers Dillon and Mahaney were conducting a traffic stop for unsafe speed and weaving on a white, 2000 Chevrolet Silverado pickup on State Route 120, east of Yosemite Junction. While speaking with the driver, later identified as 47 year old Copperopolis resident, Benjamin Beck, Officer Mahaney observed signs of alcohol intoxication. As Officer Mahaney questioned Mr. Beck about his alcohol consumption, Mr. Beck accelerated away and continued driving eastbound on State Route 120 reaching speeds of 70-75 MPH. Mr. Beck lost control of the Silverado, spinning out of control near the intersection of State Route 120 and Enterprise Road. Mr. Beck continued driving eastbound on State Route 120. The officers resumed the pursuit. Due to his unsafe speed for a sharp curve in the roadway, Mr. Beck was unable to maintain control of his vehicle crossing over the westbound lane, and off onto the north shoulder.

The Silverado overturned and Mr. Beck immediately exited and began running eastbound from the vehicle. Officer Mahaney chased Mr. Beck on foot as Officer Dillon detained the uninvolved passenger, 30 year old Groveland resident, Anthony Ewen. Officer Mahaney took Mr. Beck into custody.

Mr. Beck was subsequently booked at the Tuolumne County Jail for driving under the influence with a blood alcohol concentration of .08% or greater, felony evading a police officer, and obstructing or delaying a peace officer. Mr. Beck’s bail was set at $50,000.