By Bill Lindelof
blindelof@sacbee.com
Woodland police were involved in a Dukes of Hazzard-type chase before capturing a suspected pickup truck thief.
During the wild pursuit, the suspect drove between walnut trees, smashed a gate and broke through barbed-wire fences.
Police say that Paul Allen Perez, 47, of Merced, was spotted driving a stolen pickup about 10 p.m. Sunday on County Road 98 at West Kentucky Avenue.
Officers tried to stop Perez, but he drove away, turning onto Cherry Lane, north of the Woodland city limits.
The four-wheel-drive pickup stolen from Merced rammed through a gate at the end of Cherry Lane and into a walnut orchard. The pursuing officer called for backup.
The pickup continued its cross-country path, taking out two barbed-wire fences before stopping on Hanging Oak Lane.
Police said Perez ran through a field and, after nearly a half hour, was taken into custody. Perez was bitten by a police dog during his capture.
He was treated at Woodland Memorial Hospital before being booked into Yolo County Jail on suspicion of vehicle theft, evading arrest, driving under the influence and driving on a suspended license.
Call The Bee's Bill Lindelof, (916) 321-1079.
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