On Thursday, September 04, 2014, at approximately 2:31 AM, Redding Police Officer Jason Rhoads attempted to stop a black Mitsubishi Mirage for having a license plate that Department of Motor Vehicles records indicated should actually be on a trailer. Additionally, there was a black 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage reported stolen to the Redding Police Department several hours prior.
As Officer Rhoads attempted to stop the Mitsubishi on Interstate 5 near Knighton Road, the vehicle pulled over momentarily at which time three passengers exited. The Mitsubishi then sped away, continuing southbound on Interstate 5 at times reaching approximately 100 MPH. As the Mitsubishi proceeded through the City of Anderson, a spike strip device was utilized by Anderson Police deflating the right front tire.
The Mitsubishi slowed, however continued at speeds of 70 to 80 MPH. The Mitsubishi left Interstate 5 and eventually travelled westbound on Bowman Road where the driver was forced to stop due to the damaged tire in the 17600 block of Bowman Road. The driver and sole occupant was identified as Darrin Mark Weston, 49 years, of Redding. Weston partially exited the vehicle, however refused repeated commands to comply. Weston, while holding a folding Leatherman type tool to his side in a fashion which resembled a small handgun, repeatedly told officers to shoot him. Officers were eventually able to identify the Leatherman type tool; however, Weston continued to refuse to comply. Police K-9 Carr was deployed and Weston was taken into custody after a short struggle. The Mitsubishi was confirmed to be the earlier reported stolen vehicle.
Weston was treated at a local hospital and later booked at the Shasta County Jail for vehicle theft, possession of a stolen vehicle, felony evasion, and resisting arrest.
– Press Release