Atwater police seek suspect in high-speed chase

Atwater police and the California Highway Patrol are seeking a driver who led officers on a high-speed chase on city streets and Highway 99 early Monday.

Atwater police tried to stop a red 1994 Nissan Sentra about 1:30 a.m. after it failed to yield near Fourth Street and Atwater Boulevard. The male driver continued onto Third Street, temporarily losing control of the vehicle, and heading back onto Atwater Boulevard at speeds up to 70 mph, Lt. Sam Joseph reported.

As officers chased the vehicle, it entered northbound Highway 99 and reached speeds of more than 100 mph. The California Highway Patrol helped in the chase, using spike strips near South Avenue on Highway 99. Atwater police ended their chase near Vincent Road as the CHP continued the pursuit.

The Sentra exited the freeway, coming to a stop near West Bradbury and Vincent roads, where the driver ran into an orchard and evaded officers.

The chase lasted 12 minutes and covered 12 miles, police reported. Police found the Sentra was reported stolen Sunday by Turlock police.

Anyone with any information can call the Atwater Police Department at 209-357-6396.

This story was originally published November 30, 2015 at 4:06 PM with the headline "Atwater police seek suspect in high-speed chase."