Alleged Car Thief Held After Chase
Police arrested an Oxnard man Thursday after he allegedly stole a car and then led officers on a chase through midtown Oxnard, authorities said.
During the pursuit on Rose Avenue, 32-year-old James Lopez allegedly caused three traffic accidents before running his car into a light pole at 3rd Street, according to Oxnard Police Officer Alex Rangel.
The chase began in south Oxnard about 1:50 p.m. when officers observed a car with a flat tire and extensive body damage being driven north on Rose Avenue at a high rate of speed, authorities said.
As the pursuit continued north, Lopez caused three traffic accidents, Rangel said.
No one was injured in those crashes.
The driver crashed the car into a light pole at 3rd Street and then fled on foot, Rangel said. After a three-block foot pursuit, officers arrested Lopez.
He was booked into County Jail in Ventura.
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