Parolee arrested for DUI after chase, struggle

LIVINGSTON -- A 30-year-old Livingston parolee was arrested this week on suspicion of DUI and possessing a weapon, the Merced County Sheriff's Department reported.

Navneet Aulakh was taken into custody after 8:30 p.m. Sunday after Detective Aaron McKnight saw the suspect's motorcycle run a stop sign at Lincoln Avenue and Westside Boulevard in Livingston, according to Deputy Tom MacKenzie, sheriff's spokesman.

Aulakh rode away at speeds over 100 mph, MacKenzie said. McKnight, however, eventually caught up to Aulakh and pulled him over. McKnight approached Aulakh and ordered him to place his hands on his helmet, but he refused to remove his right hand from his waistband, MacKenzie said.

When McKnight grabbed Aulakh by his left hand, the suspect's right hand went underneath his jacket. After a brief struggle, McKnight was able to place Aulakh into cuffs, MacKenzie said.

Knight then found a .22 caliber semi-automatic handgun lying in the dirt next to the motorcycle. After smelling alcohol on the suspect's breath, McKnight called the California Highway Patrol to meet him at the jail, in order to determine if Aulakh was driving under the influence.

Aulakh was booked on suspicion of DUI, being a felon in possession of a handgun, resisting arrest and violation of parole. He remains at the jail without bail.

-- Victor A. Patton