California officers chase stolen rescue vehicle, arrest thief

By David Caraccio
The Sacramento Bee

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Dramatic video released Tuesday Shows intense pursuit of Sacramento Fire Battalion Chief's stolen truck through the streets of the city.

The pursuit, which involved a California Highway Patrol helicopter and several ground units, ended after spikes were deployed and police vehicles surrounded the suspect in the stolen truck.

The city-owned F-150 pickup truck was stolen on the evening of May 19 from Sacramento Fire Station 12 in the 4500 block of 24th Street in South Land Park.

A CHP Valley Division Air Operations helicopter assisted in the pursuit after the vehicle was located near 30th and R streets and provided footage of the chase.

The fire truck was eventually disabled in Old North Sacramento, near Calvados Avenue and Fairfield Street, around 9:43 p.m. Video shows at least a dozen police vehicles barricading the suspect inside.

Officers used less-lethal pepper balls in the F-150 pickup, forcing the man out of the vehicle, police said after the arrest.

Desi Sanchez, 33, of Sacramento, was arrested and charged with vehicle theft, recklessly evading a police officer and other charges. He pleaded not guilty to the charges against him on May 21 and remains held without bail at the Sacramento County Main Jail.

The man was also being held on previous arrest warrants for willful disobedience of a court order.

He is due back in court on June 25.

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