Burglary Suspect Leads Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Department On Chase Across Lake

Sonora, Ca — 33 year old Tyron Jesse Slate of Tuolumne has been arrested in connection with a June 12th burglary on Susan Way in Sonora.

Slate and 39 year old Pauline Marion McKimmey were approached by deputies in the area of the Moccasin Marina Campgrounds on Tuesday.

McKimmey was immediately taken into custody, and Slate took off on foot. Slate then dove into a nearby lake and began to swim away. Deputies got into a boat piloted by a park ranger and motored out to the middle of the lake where they found Slate attempting to make it across to the far shore.

Deputies asked Slate if he would like to get in the boat. At first, he reportedly said he would rather drown. Later, he changed his mind and got into the boat where he was later handcuffed.

Slate, and three others previously arrested, allegedly stole over $30,000 in property and two vehicles from a residence in the 19000 block of Susan Way.

McKimmey, the other suspect taken into custody, has a bench warrant for violation of probation and drug charges.

Written by BJ Hansen