A Reno man was arrested after he tried to outrun a Lassen County Sheriff’s Deputy on Highway 36 Wednesday, a high-speed pursuit which ended with a fiery crash just short of the Plumas County line.
According to Lassen County Sheriff Dean Growdon, a Deputy Sheriff was traveling westbound on State Route 36 in the Mountain Meadows area, east of the Goodrich Creek Bridge when they observed a vehicle traveling westbound in the eastbound lane toward the patrol vehicle.
“The operator of the westbound vehicle turned off the vehicle headlights and continued in the eastbound lane,” explains Growdon.
“The driver turned his headlights back on when he was about 150 feet from the patrol vehicle. The deputy turned on his overhead emergency lights and was forced to leave the roadway to avoid collision.”
Knowing that there was a one-lane section of highway west of the event, the deputy used the radio to warn another deputy who was traveling the same direction.
“The second deputy was able to stop before the single lane section and observed the westbound vehicle traveling through the 45mph construction zone at a high rate of speed.”
The vehicle failed to yield to lights and sirens and continued westbound on the highway, reaching speeds up to 125mph.
Before reaching the Plumas County line, the driver in the vehicle failed to negotiate a sweeping right-hand turn. The vehicle left the roadway and rolled. The vehicle came to a rest on the passenger side, on the westbound lane of SR36.
“The car was severely damaged and on fire. Deputies utilized fire extinguishers to control the fire, broke out the moon roof of the vehicle, cut the driver’s seat belt, and removed him from the vehicle. The subject was moved to a safe location and fire and medical units were requested. CHP also responded to the scene to investigate the vehicle crash.”
The driver was identified by LCSO as 36-year old Reno, Nevada resident Dane Knutson.
“The Deputies did an extraordinary job in keeping each-other safe, protecting our community, as well as rescuing and providing care for the suspect. This event is just one example of the great work done by the peace officers in our community.”
According to Growdon, Knutson was cleared by medical staff on scene then booked into the Lassen County Jail on charges including evading a peace officer with wanton disregard for public safety, and reckless driving. Knutson’s bail was set at $30,000.
