The Santa Clarita Valley Police Department arrested Timothy Arthur Jones, 32, after a vehicle pursuit on Wednesday, May 17. In arrest reports, Jones is both identified as a transient and as an Idyllwild resident.
One of the deputies was patrolling in Stevenson Ranch on Faulkner Lane in Santa Clarita and noticed a vehicle driving erratically. “He attempted to get the driver to pull over, but the driver didn’t comply,” according to a SCVPD Facebook report. “The deputy was very concerned for public safety and initiated a vehicle pursuit. With the help of LASD Aero Bureau and their ‘eyes from the sky,’ along with tips from our supportive residents on the suspect’s whereabouts, we were able to successfully apprehend the suspect on Oak Ridge Drive without anyone getting hurt. Truly a case of teamwork!”
The pursuit and subsequent arrest was also filmed by a CBS helicopter news crew.
The suspect was arrested on multiple charges including vehicle theft, evading arrest, tampering with a VIN, possession of a controlled substance, possession of narcotic paraphernalia and driving under the influence.
“Jones is charged with stealing a vehicle and leading sheriff deputies on a pursuit on May 17,” said Richard Santiago, media relations at the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. The vehicle was a red 1995 Honda Del Sol, allegedly stolen the same day in Santa Clarita.
Jones has pleaded not guilty to both charges. Santiago said the felony complaint includes allegations that the defendant was previously convicted on the following cases:
Unlawful driving or taking of a vehicle, convicted March 3, 2011; driving or taking a vehicle without consent, convicted Feb. 6, 2008; driving or taking a vehicle without consent, convicted Aug. 17, 2004; driving or taking a vehicle without consent, convicted Nov. 7, 2005; driving or taking a vehicle without consent, convicted April 1, 2004; identity theft, convicted Aug. 10, 2015; evading an officer, willful disregard, convicted Oct. 2, 2013; robbery, convicted Oct. 2, 2013; possession of methamphetamines, convicted Aug. 1, 2012; unlawful driving or taking of a vehicle, convicted Sept. 11, 2012; and evading an officer, willful disregard, convicted Nov. 7, 2005.
Jones’ bail is set at $120,000, and he is being held in the Men’s Central Jail in Los Angeles. An early disposition hearing was set for Tuesday, May 30, with a preliminary hearing set for Thursday, June 1, in the San Fernando courthouse.
