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Clearlake man arrested on suspicion of stealing car; suspect may have been involved in other thefts
CLEARLAKE, Calif. – A Clearlake man who allegedly led police on a foot chase on Wednesday and subsequently was arrested on suspicion of vehicle theft may have been involved in a string of car and boat thefts in August.
Louis Charles Carlson, 37, was arrested on a number of charges following the Wednesday chase, which began a Clearlake Police Department investigation that allegedly is linking him to a number of other cases, according to Sgt. Rodd Joseph.
At 3:15 p.m. Wednesday Clearlake Police Officer Arron Winslow conducted a traffic stop on a 1970 Ford Mach 1 Mustang for minor traffic violations on SR53 near the intersection with 18th Avenue, Joseph said.
The driver, later identified as Carlson, allegedly provided investigating officers with a false name and claimed to have no identification with him, Joseph said. The name Carlson allegedly provided to officers showed to have a suspended driver’s license.
Joseph said officers elected to arrest Carlson for the suspended driver’s license and for not having identification. Carlson fled on foot when he learned he was going to be arrested.
Officers gave chase and Officer Adams ended up arresting Carlson at the dead end of 20th Avenue, near Highway 53, after a brief foot chase, Joseph said. At that time officers identified the suspect as Carlson, who also had an outstanding felony warrant for his arrest.
Officers decided to tow Carlson’s vehicle and requested a tow truck, Joseph said. Prior to the Ford Mustang being towed it was determined to be a stolen vehicle out of Clearlake.
Joseph said police learned that Carlson had begun the process of putting the vehicle into his name through the Department of Motor Vehicles. The Mustang was returned to the lawful owner.
Carlson was arrested on felony warrants and allegations including obstructing a peace officer, resisting a peace officer, vehicle theft, possession of stolen property, false identification to officer, false information to officer and committing a felony crime while out on bail for a felony crime.
On Monday Clearlake officers had located several abandoned stolen vessels and vehicles in the 16800 block of 19th Avenue, Joseph said.
Most of the stolen vehicles and vessels had been reported to the California Highway Patrol as stolen in the unincorporated areas of Lake County during the month of August, he said.
Joseph said police obtained evidence at the scene allegedly linking Carlson to the vehicle thefts. Police believe that Carlson is involved in these vehicle and vessel thefts and are continuing with the investigation.
Anyone with information on these vehicle and vessel thefts is asked to contact Clearlake Police Officer Thompson at 707-994-8251. Callers may remain anonymous.