SAPD police officers were in pursuit of a suspect on a motorcycle yesterday when the suspect crashed at the intersection of Flower and Edinger, at approximately 1:50 p.m., according to a local Santa Ana Facebook page post.
One person on the motorcyle was transported to a local hospital and a second person was detained by the police officers.
Edinger and Flower were blocked by police after the crash and arrest during their investigation.
Under California law, it is illegal to flee from police if they are pursuing you. California Vehicle Code Section 2800.1 says that if you willfully flee or try to evade a pursuing police officer while driving a vehicle, you may be charged with the crime of evading a police officer, according to the Law Firm of Wallin & Klarich.
Crimes Related To Evading A Police Officer
Resisting Arrest – PC 148(A)(1)
Under California Penal Code 148(a)(1), it is unlawful to resist, delay, or otherwise obstruct a law enforcement officer or emergency medical technician from performing his or her duties. This is similar to evading a police officer because if you flee from the officer on foot or by use of any other means of transportation other than a motor vehicle, you can be charged with resisting arrest.
Resisting arrest is a misdemeanor crime in California. If you are convicted of resisting arrest under California Penal Code 148(a)(1), you face up to 364 days in county jail, a maximum $1,000 fine, or both jail and fine.
Reckless Evading A Police Officer – VC 2800.2
Under California Vehicle Code 2800.2, it is unlawful to willfully flee or try to evade a pursuing police officer while driving a vehicle with wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.
Reckless evading a police officer can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony in California. If you are convicted of misdemeanor reckless evading a peace officer under California Vehicle Code 2800.2, you face six months to 364 days in county jail, a maximum fine of $1,000, or both jail and fine. If convicted of felony reckless evading a police officer, you face up to 16 months, two or three years in state prison, a maximum fine of $10,000, or both prison and fine.
Evading A Police Officer Causing Injury Or Death – VC 2800.3
Under California Vehicle Code 2800.3, it is unlawful to willfully flee or try to evade a pursuing police officer while driving a vehicle, causing serious bodily injury or death of another.
Evading a police officer causing injury or death can result be charged as a misdemeanor or felony in California. If you are convicted of misdemeanor evading a peace officer causing injury or death, you face up to 364 days in county jail, a fine of $2,000 to $10,000, or both jail and fine. If convicted of felony evading a peace officer causing injury, you face three, five or seven years in state prison, a fine of $2,000 to $10,000, or both prison and fine.
