10-mile pursuit ends in arrest of Santa Cruz carjacking suspect
SANTA CRUZ, Calif. - A carjacking suspect was arrested Saturday night after leading police on a chase from Santa Cruz to Capitola and back before crashing the stolen vehicle and fleeing on foot.
The vehicle was seen traveling at a high rate of speed about 10:18 p.m. by Santa Cruz officers, who learned the car had been reported stolen earlier in the day.
The solo driver was pursued through Santa Cruz and onto state Highway 1 to Capitola, then back via the highway to the Beach Flats neighborhood in Santa Cruz. The Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office and the California Highway Patrol assisted police during the 10.25-mile chase, which ended when the suspect crashed at Cliff and Second streets and ran from the car.
A perimeter was set up in the area and suspect Albert Blanco, a 38-year-old San Jose resident, was taken into custody without incident.
Police say Blanco gave a statement about how he stole the car.
He was booked for carjacking and felony reckless evading.