South County : Chase Ends in Crash; 4 in Stolen Car Arrested

Authorities on Tuesday identified four suspects as the occupants of a stolen high-performance car that led police on two separate chases early Monday before the car overturned, trapping all four occupants inside.

The first chase began at Brookhurst Street and Warner Avenue in Fountain Valley at 3:15 a.m., when police tried to stop the 1989 Chevrolet IROC-Z28 because it did not have a license plate, according to Sgt. Larry Griswold of the Fountain Valley Police Department.

The driver sped away and onto the San Diego Freeway, heading south with police in pursuit. The cars reached speeds up to 100 m.p.h. before the driver evaded police.

Orange County sheriff’s deputies picked up the chase in Mission Viejo, where it ended at 3:48 a.m. when the car rolled over at El Toro Road and Marguerite Parkway. Injuries were not serious, Griswold said. The car had been reported stolen May 14 in Riverside, he said.

Fountain Valley police arrested Kevin L. Garrett, 23, of Stanton on suspicion of vehicle theft and evading arrest. He was also served with seven unrelated, outstanding warrants, including narcotics violations. Bail was set at $22,500.

Also arrested on suspicion of vehicle theft was William A. Pinkelman, 21, of Garden Grove. His bail was set at $10,000.

Arrested on suspicion of joy-riding were Tera L. Kirkland, 18, of Cypress and Sherri M. Hewitt, 18, of Garden Grove. They were released.