High Speed Chase, Crash And DUI Arrest
Jamestown, CA – A Copperopolis man led CHP officers on a high speed chase on Highway 120 early this morning.
Observing a 2000 Chevrolet Silverado pickup speeding and weaving along the highway, east of Yosemite Junction, the officers made a traffic stop. Behind the wheel was 47-year-old Benjamin Beck. The officers questioned whether he was drunk and asked him if he had been drinking. Beck’s response — he hit the gas pedal and raced eastbound on the highway while reaching speeds of 70-75 mph.
Officer Faustino Pulido details what happened next, stating, “Beck lost control of the Silverado, spinning out of control near the intersection of Highway 120 and Enterprise Road. He continued driving eastbound with the officers in pursuit. Due to his unsafe speed on a sharp curve, Beck lost control of his truck and went off the roadway. His pickup overturned and he took off on foot.”
Beck was quickly run down by one of the officers. He was arrested for driving under the influence with a blood alcohol level of .08% or greater, felony evading a police officer, and obstructing or delaying a peace officer. Beck’s bail was set at $50,000.