Police Arrest Carjacking Suspect after High-Speed Chase in Cotati
COTATI, CA (May 14, 2023) – Three people were injured and Ernesto Esquivel was arrested after a high-speed chase in Cotati early Tuesday morning on May 9.
Around 3:23 a.m., a Windsor Police Department officer saw a suspected stolen vehicle from Vallejo on Highway 101 near the Central Windsor exit. The officer called for backup due to the serious nature of the carjacking.
Esquivel, a 37-year-old man from Vallejo, led officers on a high-speed chase driving south on Highway 101 up to 115 mph.
During the pursuit, the suspect tried to brake-check officers near the offramp on the Cotati grade. He lost control and hit a parked car with two people inside.
Paramedics took Esquivel and the two people to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
After the crash, deputies searched Esquivel’s car and found multiple pieces of stolen mail from Geyserville and the Dry Creek area of Healdsburg. They also discovered Esquivel had been arrested for crimes in multiple other states.
Deputies later arrested Esquivel on suspicion of several felonies, including evading law enforcement, possessing a stolen vehicle and property and assault with a deadly weapon.
A judge approved an increase in Esquivel’s bail, from $30,000 to $130,000. An investigation is underway.
Never attempt to drive a stolen vehicle because you will only suffer for the consequences. Leading authorities to a chase can only lead to dangerous accidents. Spare yourself and others from pain and suffering by choosing to be a responsible citizen.
The Law Offices of Daniel Kim remain a superior option for car accident victims seeking compensation. We believe every client should receive personal legal advice tailored to his or her specific case. If you have been involved in a car crash, let us help you. Our attorneys will handle everything while you rest and recover. For a free case consultation with Daniel, call (800) 895-7199. You also can request a copy of the police report for your reference.