Driver arrested after fleeing in stolen vehicle, Merced police say

Merced police reported the arrest of the 33-year-old man accused of driving a stolen vehicle, following a pursuit Monday afternoon.

According to Merced police, just before 3 p.m. officers located a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado in the area of Rambler Road and College Green Drive. The vehicle was reported stolen out of Fresno, according to a news release.

Officers attempted to stop the vehicle, when it fled west on Rambler Road toward M Street at a high rate of speed. During the pursuit, the vehicle continued west on Rambler Road, running stop signs at both M Street and R Street at speeds of more than 50 mph.

Merced police said officers canceled the pursuit due to safety reasons. A short time later, police said the suspect vehicle was located at June Court.

The driver fled on foot, but was quickly apprehended along with one other person, according to Lt. Joe Weiss. The driver of the vehicle was detained and identified as Charles Pullen. According to Weiss, the second person was also detained for a short time but was not charged.

Pullen was arrested on suspicion of possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of burglary tools and fleeing or evading police, according to authorities.

Police said Pullen was taken to jail, and was cited and released.

Merced police ask anyone with information regarding this crime to contact the Merced Police Department Tipster Line at 209-385-4725.

The public can send anonymous text messages to police by dialing “TIP411” (847411) and include the word “Comvip” as the “keyword” in the text message, according to police.