Police Chase at Snail Speed Ends in Arrest

San Angelo Police were involved in a movie-esque police chase Thursday at around 12:19 p.m., when a black Dodge pickup sped away after a traffic stop. 

The driver, 26-year-old Jose Luis Valdez, had been pulled over by Motor Officer Brian Bylsma in a routine traffic stop for expired registration, and leapt out of the vehicle as the officer approached, preferring to try his odds at a footrace. 

Officer Bylsma immediately called in the chase, putting out a description of a Hispanic male in a white top and blue jeans. With units on the way, Valdez doubled back to his vehicle and sped away, getting the better of defeat if only for a few, brief moments.

Valdez had been stopped in the 0 block of E Chadbourne and was heading westbound on 12th Street when Bylsma called in the change of status. Patrol units repsonded to the area and took over the chase at 12:20, near 16th and MLK Blvd.

Pursuit speeds were sluggish, topping out at between 35 and 40 miles per hour. In a last effort of desperation, Valdez once again fled the vehicle, having come to a stop in the south alley of the 400 block of E 29th street. He was immediately taken into custody.

A check for wants & warrants revealed that Mr. Valdez had an outstanding Blue Warrant for his arrest. The Blue Warrant was issued by the Austin Pardons & Paroles for violation of Parole. The passenger, 38-year-old Regina Cardile, was clear of any warrants.

The driver was arrested for the outstanding Blue warrant & Evading with Vehicle.

Det. Michael Gaeta responded to scene to conduct the investigation.