Carson City chase ends with arrest, damaged patrol cars

A Carson City man was jailed late Tuesday night after he allegedly led police on a short chase in which two patrol cars were heavily damaged.

Robert Lee Lopez, 28, an unemployed transient, was arrested at 11:37 p.m. Tuesday at Burton and Fall streets on suspicion of felony probation violation, third-offense driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, evading police, misdemeanor obstructing arrest, possession of marijuana, reckless driving, driving on a suspended license, open container, failure to stop at a stop sign, failure to wear a seat belt, and failure to have a license plate light. No bail was set.

When a deputy attempted to stop Lopez on Mountain Park for no license plate light, Lopez allegedly sped off, running through five stop signs and a light at Northridge Drive and Roop Street, the report states.

The report also stated a female passenger appeared to be pleading with Lopez to stop.

Lopez then allegedly drove onto Peter Street where two patrol vehicles were blocking the intersection.

"The suspect vehicle continued straight at the patrol vehicles. One patrol vehicle had to swerve to avoid being struck by the suspect vehicle (and the patrol vehicle) struck another patrol vehicle," the report states.

Sheriff Ken Furlong estimated the damage to both vehicles at $7,000.

On Burton Street, Lopez allegedly slammed on his brakes and flung open his door. A patrol car ran head-on into the door, the report states.

Lopez allegedly "jumped on the hood of the patrol vehicle and fled on foot."

He was captured almost immediately. The passenger was released.