Kings deputy, with assist from Lemoore police, arrest erratic driver

As the deputy positioned himself behind the Pontiac, he saw the car weaving in the roadway, indicative of driving under the influence. The deputy decided to make a traffic stop.

The vehicle’s driver, suspect Leonard Jeff, refused to pull over and sped away at speeds as high as 90 miles per hour. The deputy pursued the suspect for several miles and witnessed him drive all over the roadway. At one point during the chase, the suspect drove into the oncoming lane forcing an oncoming car to drive off the road.

As the pursuit continued, the Lemoore Police Department successfully deployed “Stop Sticks” which deflated the tires on the Pontiac. According to the deputy’s report, Jeff continued driving the Pontiac as the tires deflated. At one point Leonard stopped the car and then slowly drove the car forward. Deputies make announcements over their patrol car's intercom instructing the suspect to stop and exit the car. However, according to the deputy’s report, he refused.

Jeff finally came to a stop on the 19th Avenue overpass above Highway 198. Deputies feared that the suspect would continue driving toward the neighborhoods in the area. A deputy parked his patrol car in front of Jeff’s vehicle, which prevented him from proceeding further.

A Kings County K-9 Unit told Jeff to surrender and exit the car. Jeff refused and K-9 Bluz was utilized to help take him into custody. Jeff resisted and punched the police dog.

Another deputy deployed the drive stun feature of his Taser causing Jeff to give up.  Deputies placed Jeff into handcuffs.

Deputies booked Jeff into the Kings County Jail on charges of evading while driving against traffic, evading with willful disregard, assault on a police animal, resisting arrest, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bail was set at $115,000.