Driver of reported stolen car arrested near Sonoma

The driver of a reported stolen car drove through stoplights and passed other vehicles during a long pursuit Thursday.|

A Napa man reportedly driving a stolen car led authorities on a long chase from Santa Rosa to Agua Caliente Thursday, March 23, before being arrested.

Santa Rosa police identified the driver as Michael Quail, 38. He was booked at the Sonoma County Jail on suspicion of felony evading, possession of stolen property and a violation of probation.

Santa Rosa police pulled a Toyota Scion over about 3:45 p.m. that day in the area of Santa Rosa Avenue and Flower Avenue. The hatchback had Honda license plates attached to it.

The driver could not produce the vehicle’s registration. He also informed officers he was on probation. As they investigated, the man turned the car engine on and sped off.

Santa Rosa officers pulled back as the sheriff’s helicopter, Henry-1, tracked the Scion from overhead.

The driver blew through several stop lights and passed other vehicles over double-yellow lines as it wound onto Highway 12 and headed east toward Sonoma.

Prior to reaching city limits, a Sonoma County sheriff’s deputy forced the Scion off the road with his patrol vehicle. Photos taken by a witness show the black car appeared to strike a mailbox.

You can reach Staff Writer Derek Moore at 707-521-5336 or derek.moore@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @deadlinederek.

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