A man accused of stealing a vehicle at an Auburn business Wednesday was arrested after he nearly became involved in a collision as he fled the scene.
Auburn Police Sgt. Gary Hopping said the owner of the vehicle witnessed the theft at a business in the 300 block of Nevada Street. Hopping said a man, later identified a John Edward Davila (pictured), 25, allegedly entered the business and took the keys to the vehicle.
Davila drove out of the business parking lot onto Nevada Street without stopping for traffic and was nearly involved in a collision, Hopping said.
The near collision was witnessed by a California Highway Patrol officer, who made contact with Davila and attempted to detain him at Nevada Street and Enterprise Drive, near the office of the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Police said Davila resisted the CHP officer, and a state arson investigator, who heard the radio traffic, responded to the DMV office to assist in detaining Davila. Two citizens who witnessed the struggle also aided the law enforcement officers.
The CHP officer and arson investigator suffered scratches in the struggle. Davila and the citizens were not injured, police said.
Davila was booked into Placer County Jail on suspicion of vehicle theft, burglary, battery and resisting arrest. He is being held on $75,000 bail.
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