On Sunday, 3/9/25, at approximately 1:52 p.m., police officers observed a stolen vehicle near Harbor Blvd & Garden Grove Blvd., according to the Garden Grove Police Department.
This vehicle was stolen during a commercial burglary in the City of Garden Grove earlier the same morning.
Police officers spotted a black Land Rover Sport near Harbor and Garden Grove boulevards, just before 2 p.m.
Officers attempted to stop the vehicle and the suspect immediately fled.
Officers pursued the vehicle through several cities in an attempt to apprehend the suspect. During the pursuit, the suspect intentionally rammed 2 separate police vehicles before finally coming to a stop on the 91 freeway east of Imperial Hwy.
A police armored vehicle was used to prevent the suspect vehicle from fleeing again and several attempts were made to have the suspect exit the vehicle on his own.
After other methods were unsuccessful, a police K9 dog was successfully deployed and the suspect was finally taken into custody.
The suspect was transported to a local hospital and will be booked into Orange County Jail after receiving medical treatment.
The extent and nature of the 28-year-old’s injuries were not immediately available.
The suspect was identified as Jonathan McLaurin, age 28, resident of Santa Ana.
- SUBJECT: Pursuit of Stolen Vehicle / Burglary Suspect
- LOCATION OF OCCURRENCE: Started: Harbor/Garden Grove Blvd, G.G.
- Ended: E/B 91 Freeway east of Imperial Hwy
- DATE/TIME OF OCCURRENCE: 3/9/2025 @ 1:52 p.m.
- VEHICLE: Land Rover Sport, black in color
- SUSPECT: Jonathan McLaurin, age 28, resident of Santa Ana
The situation you described above involves multiple serious offenses in California, each carrying significant penalties:
- Stealing a Car (Grand Theft Auto):
- If the stolen vehicle is valued at more than $950, it is considered grand theft auto, which can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. A misdemeanor conviction can result in up to one year in jail, while a felony conviction can lead to 16 months, two years, or three years in prison.
- Fleeing from the Police:
- Evading a police officer in a vehicle is typically charged as a misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in county jail and/or a fine of up to $1,0003. However, if the evasion involves reckless driving (e.g., ramming police cars), it can be charged as a felony, with penalties including 16 months, two years, or three years in state prison and/or fines ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.
- Ramming Police Cars:
- This action could be considered assault with a deadly weapon (the vehicle), which is a felony. Penalties for this offense can include two to four years in state prison.
- Resisting Arrest with the Help of a K9 Dog:
- Resisting arrest itself is usually a misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in county jail. However, if the resistance involves violence or threats of violence (e.g., ramming police cars), the penalties can be more severe.
Given the combination of these offenses, the individual could face substantial prison time and fines.
