A Ventura woman was arrested Saturday afternoon after leading officers on a vehicle pursuit involving a reported stolen truck.
At approximately 4:00 p.m. on Saturday December 27th, officers with the Ventura Police Department observed a vehicle on Loma Vista Road that had been reported stolen earlier in the day. Officers initiated a short pursuit that traveled through the Ventura College campus and into a residential area south of the college. As the vehicle was driven erratically through a neighborhood and an active construction zone, officers recognized the increased risk to public safety and made the decision to terminate the pursuit.
A few minutes later, officers located the vehicle parked behind a gym near the intersection of Telegraph Road and Day Road. An officer observed the driver, identified as Brooke Lawton, 37, running from the vehicle. After a brief foot pursuit, Lawton was taken into custody without further incident. Lawton was booked into the Ventura County Jail and faces multiple charges, including grand theft auto, unlawful taking of a vehicle, felony evading, reckless driving, driving under the influence of drugs, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and vandalism.
“The officer involved noted the significant danger posed by high-speed driving in a residential neighborhood where many people were outside after several days of rain,” said Sergeant Gutierrez, the on-duty supervisor. “Thankfully, no one was injured as a result of her dangerous actions.”
The Ventura Police Department remains committed to protecting the safety of the community and local roadways. Anyone with additional information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Watch Commander at 805-339-4416.
