Saturday, 07 December 2024

REGIONAL: Man arrested after allegedly attempting to run over deputy

MENDOCINO COUNTY, Calif. – A Mendocino County Sheriff's deputy narrowly avoided being run over by a suspect who later was taken into custody after deputies used a Taser and other weapons to stop him.


Robert Isaac Vargas, 54, of Fort Bragg was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon, resisting arrest and violation of probation during an altercation earlier this week in Fort Bragg.

At 3 p.m. Monday Mendocino County Sheriff's deputies responded to a reported neighborhood verbal dispute in the area of Peterson and Fawn Lane, according to a report from Capt. Kurt Smallcomb.


When the deputies arrived at the scene Smallcomb said they began speaking with one of the subjects involved in the dispute. At the same time, Vargas was observed in driveway approaching his pickup.

As one deputy continued to talk with the reporting party, the second deputy approached Vargas who had now entered his pickup, Smallcomb said.

Vargas started his pickup and put it in reverse as the deputy motioned for him to stop. Smallcomb said Vargas revved his engine and is alleged to have rapidly backed up towards the deputy, fast enough to break traction with his vehicle tires.


Smallcomb said the deputy jumped out of the way as Vargas allegedly continued to move towards him in the vehicle.


Fearing for his safety, the deputy drew his sidearm, pointed it towards Vargas and ordered him to stop, Smallcomb said.


Vargas is alleged to have exited his vehicle and confronted the deputy, who Smallcomb said was shortly joined by the other deputy. Vargas continued to be confrontational and resist arrest.


Smallcomb said the deputies were able to take Vargas into custody only after using a Taser, a baton and pepper spray.

Vargas was medically cleared at the Mendocino Coast District Hospital and eventually booked into the Mendocino County Jail with no bail, Smallcomb said.


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