LA MESA MOTORCYCLE OFFICER INJURED IN PURSUIT; 2 SUSPECTS IN CUSTODY

September 2, 2013 (La Mesa) -- La Mesa Police Officer Tim Purdy suffered a concussion and sore neck after his motorcycle crashed into a curb during pursuit of a stolen vehicle tonight on Jackson Drive. 

The chase began at 6:33 p.m. last night, when Officer Purdy spotted a stolen vehicle at the intersection of Jackson Drive and Center Drive in La Mesa. He attempted to stop the blue 2013 Nissan rogue, but the driver fled north on Jackson Drive at speeds in excess of 60 miles per hour, according to police.  In the 5700 block of Jackson Drive, the officer lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into the curb by Jackson Park.

The pursuit was terminated and other officers responded to aid Officer Purdy, who was treated at a hospital and released.  At 6:39 p.m., a resident in the 5700 block of Cowles Mountain Boulevard called police to report that two people had just parked and ran from a blue Nissan Rogue.

Officers from La Mesa, San Diego Police and the San Diego Sheriff’s Department responded to assist in locating the outstanding suspects.  One suspect, 33 year-old Michael Seymour Jr., was located near the intersection of Lake Murray Boulevard and Connecticut Avenue.  He was arrested and booked on charges of possession of narcotics and placed on a parole hold. 

The second suspect was reported running into the canyon east of Anders Circle.  Officers searched the canyon for hours but were unable to locate the outstanding suspect.  Early this morning, however, police received a call reporting a suspicious person in the 5500 block of Jackson Drive. Officers determined that the individual matched the description of the suspect at large. James Francis Rachels, 27, a transient from El Cajon, was booked into San Diego County Jail on possesion of a stolen vehicle, reckless evading, and a  felony warrant. 

Anyone with information on this crime is asked to call La Mesa Police at 619-667-1400.