Santa Ana man faces molestation charges dating back to 2011 after leading police on a chase

Jose Luis Mejia Salas, 27, a molestation suspect who eluded authorities for several years was caught following a police chase made his first appearance in court Tuesday on the sexual assault charge dating back to 2007, according to the O.C. Register.

Salas fled from police on July 10, when officers tried to pull him over for a routine traffic stop, according to the SAPD. Eventually Salas stopped his car and tried to escape on foot, but he was eventually caught while trying to hide in a relative’s home.

A warrant was issued for his arrest back on Oct. 20 of last year, in connection with the alleged molestation of a girl in March of 2007.

The alleged molestation victim was only 13 when the incident originally occurred. She provided DNA evidence to police investigators at the time. However it was not until 2011 that authorities were able to match the DNA to the suspect. The police were not able to explain why the lapse occurred from 2011 to 2015.

Salas faces numerous felony charges including evading police and a count of lewd or lascivious acts with a minor younger than 14 and forcible lewd acts on a child. He also faces a misdemeanor charge for driving without a valid drivers license. His arraignment is set for Aug. 5.