DRIVER WHO RAMMED TWO POLICE CARS IS ARRESTED FOLLOWING PURSUIT IN EL CAJON

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May 2, 2013 (El Cajon) -- Jerry Lee Hickethier, 32, is charged with assault with a deadly weapon against a police officer following a dramatic police pursuit in which he intentionally struck two police cars.

The chase began at Naranca Avenue and Oro Street at 5:46 p.m., when a veteran sergeant with El Cajon Police department saw Hickethier run a red light. When the officer tried to stop the vehicle, the driver failed to yield to the lights and siren.  According to police, ie stopped suddenly, thrust the vehicle into reverse and intentionally rammed the police vehicle, causing moderate damage.

The suspect then fled from the collision and a police pursuit ensued with numerous police cars joining in the effort. Officers attempted to contain the suspect's vehicle when he came to a busy intersection. The suspect then drove onto the sidewalk, struck a light pole, and collided with another police vehicle before fleeing again.

"This again placed the officers and the public in great danger of serious bodily injury," a release issued by police states. The driver, now driving on a flat tire and significantly damaged vehicle, attempted to enter the Interstate 8 Freeway from El Cajon Boulevard. The pursuing officers, fearing for their safety and the safety off the citizens on the freeway during the rush-hour traffic, used a police vehicle to keep the suspect from entering the busy freeway.

According to police, once the suspect was stopped, he quickly exited his crippled vehicle and immediately began to approach the officers on scene. The man shouted at the officers, made furtive movements with his hands, and failed to comply with their orders. The man had to be taken to the ground and was taken into custody.

The suspect was not injured and was later booked into County Jail on charges of Assault with a Deadly Weapon on a Police Officer and evading arrest. All officers involved in this incident were unharmed and no members of the public were involved in any of the collisions.

"During this incident, the suspect placed the officers and citizens in extreme danger based on his driving and lack of regard for the safety of the public. In failing to obey lawful commands, refusing to stop for police, and making furtive movements when being taken into custody, the suspect created what could have been a very dangerous situation," a release issued by El Cajon Police states. "Officers showed exemplary restraint and professionalism in responding to this incident. Further danger to the public was mitigated by the officers involved not allowing the suspect to enter the freeway. Their actions should be greatly commended."

Hickethier, an El Cajon resident, is unemployed. 

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the El Cajon Police Department at 619-579-3311.

 


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