CLEARLAKE, Calif. – A Lower Lake man who led police on a high speed chase last Sunday night has been arrested.
William Lefferts, 41, was taken into custody on Wednesday morning, according to Clearlake Police Sgt. Rodd Joseph.
Lefferts had led officers on a high speed chase through residential neighborhoods late Sunday night after an officer who recognized him as being a wanted parolee tried to pull him over, as Lake County News has reported.
Due to safety concerns, officers ended the chase, but later located the black Ford Ranger pickup Lefferts had been driving during the chase in the area of 19th Avenue.
On Wednesday at approximately 9:44 a.m. Officer Bradlee Middleton was on patrol in the area of 19th and Oak avenues when he spotted Lefferts walking in the area, Joseph said.
Middletown knew Lefferts was wanted in connection with the felony high speed vehicle pursuit on Sunday, and also was aware that Lefferts had a felony parole hold warrant for his arrest, according to Joseph.
Joseph said Middleton attempted to contact Lefferts, who fled on foot.
Middleton chased Lefferts for approximately two blocks and caught Lefferts in the wooded area between St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake and 18th Avenue, Joseph said.
While Middleton was attempting to arrest Lefferts, Joseph said Lefferts discarded a large knife, which is a prohibited weapon pursuant to his parole terms.
Lefferts was charged with felony evading, driving on a suspended license, resisting a police officer, a parole violation and his felony parole hold, and was booked into the Lake County Jail.
Any person with information about a crime that has occurred in the city of Clearlake is asked to contact the Clearlake Police Department at 707-994-8251. Callers may remain anonymous.