Merced high-speed pursuit suspect who avoided capture, arrested by officers next day

A man suspected of evading officers during a high-speed pursuit was located and arrested the following day, according to authorities.

At about 11:20 p.m. Friday, a Merced Police Gang Violence Suppression Unit officer attempted a traffic stop in the area of East Alexander Avenue and G Street, according to a Merced Police Department news release.

Police said the vehicle sped off and led the officer on a high-speed pursuit. When the vehicle reached a dead end on East North Bear Creek Drive, the driver fled from police on foot. Police said the driver was able to escape a police perimeter and avoid capture.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as 31-year-old Jonathan Rascon, who had several warrants for his arrest. At about 12:10 p.m. Saturday, officers arrested Rascon after locating him inside a residence in the 1100 block of N Street.

Rascon was booked into Merced County Jail on suspicion of felony evading a peace officer, a parole violation and misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance, according to jail records.

This story was originally published September 28, 2020 at 2:05 PM.