An Arkansas man allegedly under the influence of drugs or alcohol led California Highway Patrol officers on a high-speed chase Wednesday from Santa Maria to just south of San Luis Obispo. Prior to giving up, the suspect reached speeds of about 125 mph, rammed multiple patrol cars and injured one officer.
Shortly after 3 p.m., a CHP officer observed a black Lexus GS 350 traveling at a high rate of speed on northbound Highway 101 in Santa Maria. The Lexus was clocked at 94 mph, according to the CHP.
The officer tried to stop the car, but the driver of the Lexus, Mack Thavisay, sped up to about 125 mph. CHP personnel then temporarily gave up the pursuit.
Officers laid multiple spike strips, one of which punctured the front two tires of Thavisay’s car. Shortly afterwards, officers conducted a pit maneuver, forcing the Lexus to turn 180 degrees.
Thavisay then rammed two patrol vehicles, pinning one officer in between two cars. The officer injured his leg and was transported to French Hospital Medical Center.
Ultimately, officers dragged Thavisay out of the Lexus on Highway 101 north of San Luis Bay Drive. Officers arrested him on multiple counts of assault causing injury, DUI and resisting arrest.
Thavisay also faces a charge of assault with a deadly weapon, according to the SLO County Sheriff’s Office website. As of Thursday morning, he remains in SLO County Jail with his bail set at $150,000.