Sonora, CA…On Saturday, March 9, 2019, at approximately 4:17 am, CHP Officers attempted to make a traffic stop on a vehicle for failing to stop for a red light at the intersection of Highway 108 and Washington Street. The vehicle also matched the description of a vehicle involved in a burglary of a local hobby shop on Mono Way. The vehicle failed to yield to the patrol vehicle’s lights and siren and a pursuit ensued. After pursuing the vehicle for just over 7 miles, the driver, 59 years old Oakdale resident, Robert Casper, was unable to negotiate a curve in the roadway on Springfield Road east of Shaws Flat Road. The vehicle left the roadway and its left side collided with a large rock.

After Casper’s vehicle came to rest on top of the large rock, the right front passenger, 53 years old Oakdale resident, James Cotner, quickly exited the vehicle and began fleeing on foot. Casper was immediately taken into custody. After a short foot pursuit, Cotner was also taken into custody without force. Mr. Casper was subsequently booked at the Tuolumne County Jail for felony evading a police officer. Mr. Cotner was also booked at the Tuolumne County Jail for obstructing or delaying a police officer.

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