SCPD Recover Stolen Car after Pursuit - Suspect Arrested

Early this morning, Santa Cruz Police arrested Deshawn Arnold after he led officers on a short pursuit in a stolen vehicle.

Deshawn Arnold

On Tuesday 12/15/15 at 5:24 a.m. an alert Santa Cruz Police Officer patrolling downtown observed a black BMW turn the wrong way down Pacific Ave from Lincoln Street. The Officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop. The driver of the BMW car failed to yield to the officer’s lights and siren and sped away. The officer pursued the suspect car going south on Front Street. The car pursuit ended near the intersection of Center Street and Pacific Avenue. The BMW hit a metal fence pole and the suspect driver abandoned the car and sprinted away from the scene.

Officers continued their search for the suspect which lasted approximately 2 hours. Evidence left behind in the car, identified the suspect as Deshawn Arnold, 32, from Mesa, Arizona. At approximately 7:25 a.m., Mr. Arnold was located sleeping on the back patio of a residence in the area of Chestnut Street.

The black BMW that Deshawn Arnold was driving had been reported stolen 2 days prior. The stolen car was returned to the registered owner this morning.

Further investigation revealed that in addition to the stolen car, Deshawn Arnold had multiple credit cards, identifications and property belonging to other individuals. He was also in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Deshawn Arnold was arrested and transported to jail for possession of a stolen car, reckless driving, possession of stolen property, possession of drugs and property damage.