Sonora, CA…From the Tuolumne Sheriff’s Office…”Two DUI drivers were recently arrested after leading Deputy Kutch on separate pursuits. On March 2nd, Deputy Kutch was driving through downtown Sonora at 11 o’clock at night when he was forced to slam on his brakes to avoid a collision with a truck. The driver, 32-year-old Gerald Miller of Tuolumne, was driving the wrong way down a one way street and pulled out in front of our deputy, then lead him on a chase. During the pursuit, Miller rammed his truck into Deputy Kutch’s patrol car. Thankfully, the deputy was not injured in the collision.

The pursuit came to an end on Tuolumne Road North when Miller flipped his truck onto its roof after colliding with a boulder.

Miller’s passenger was taken to the hospital and treated for his injuries. Miller was booked into the Tuolumne County Jail on numerous charges including: assault with a deadly weapon, vandalism, and driving under the influence of alcohol.

Then last night, 35-year-old Kristoffer Carpenter of Sonora led Deputy Kutch and Sonora PD officers on a pursuit after failing to stop for not having a license plate on his motorcycle. The pursuit ended when Carpenter wrecked his motorcycle on Bonanza Street.

Carpenter tried to run, but was arrested. He had a suspended license and was driving under the influence of alcohol. He was booked into the Tuolumne County Jail for DUI, evading and driving with a suspended license.