Officers from Arcata Police took a suspect into custody this morning who was wanted for multiple counts of allegedly breaking vehicle windows and for fleeing law enforcement in pursuit through city streets, out Highway 255, and into a field before fleeing on foot.

Officers weren’t able to locate the suspect at that time.
However, Sgt. Keith Altizer said this morning that when the tow truck arrived about 8 a.m. to get the suspect’s vehicle, the driver saw someone fleeing the area. Officers again attempted to locate the suspect but he eluded detection.

But, Altizer said, just before 10 a.m., an officer saw someone running alongside Hwy 255 between Pacheco and V Street. Officers converged on the area and captured the suspect, Jesse Lohmeier, by about 10:10 a.m.

Yesterday evening, in reaction to an argument at 1700 block of Iverson Avenue in Arcata, Lohmeier is alleged to have broken multiple car windows in the area before fleeing in a vehicle to the North Coast Co-op and attacking more vehicle windows in that area. As officers converged on that area, Lohmeier is alleged to have led them on a chase through city streets. At one point he backed rapidly at an Arcata Police vehicle, Sgt. Altizer alleged, causing the officer to believe his vehicle would be hit, but Lohmeier narrowly evaded it.

After capture this morning, Lohmeier is being charged with multiple accounts of alleged vandalism, felony evading and driving on a suspended license.

Sgt. Altizer said that so far they know of at least five vehicles vandalized by Lohmeier and they believe there are more. He asked that if anyone’s vehicle was damaged at the North Coast Co-op or if anyone has more information about the incident, please contact the Arcata Police at (707) 822-2428.