Update Sept. 14, 2012:
A Las Vegas man already in jail on suspected DUI and felony evading officers for allegedly leading CHP on a chase through Temecula may face kidnapping charges as well.
James Ryan Hoffmann, 27, was taken into custody Thursday after allegedly leading California Highway Patrol officers on a chase through Temecula.
Investigators determined that in the vehicle were two men to whom he had offered a ride and a woman.
According to Riverside County sheriff's Sgt. Curt Harris, the men repeatedly asked Hoffmann to stop the vehicle and yield to officers.
Hoffmann on Friday remained behind bars in lieu of $100,000 bail.
---
A Las Vegas man who led California Highway Patrol officers on a chase in Temecula was behind bars Thursday, officials said.
James Ryan Hoffmann, 27, was taken into custody and booked on suspicion of evading officers—a felony—along with DUI, driving without a license and DUI with a .08 or higher level of alcohol, all misdemeanors.
He remained in custody in lieu of $100,000, pending a court appearance set for Monday, jail records showed.
The chase began when California Highway Patrol officers Ron Thatcher and Joe Sandoval spotted a 2003 Jeep Cherokee weaving ahead of them on Ynez Road about 2 a.m. Thursday, a CHP spokesperson said.
The patrolling officers initiated a traffic stop, using the cruiser's emergency lights, according to CHP Officer Nathan Baer.
The driver pulled into the Tower Plaza shopping center—on Ynez, near Rancho California Road—Baer said.
Without warning, however, the suspect sped away, the Jeep jumping curbs and raised islands, Baer said.
The Jeep went back onto Ynez Road, speeding south at nearly 90 mph, until it got to De Portola Road, Baer said.
The Jeep passed Margarita Road and the driver then turned around and rushed into the raised center median, damaging the left front wheel, Baer said.
The driver headed north but the vehicle jumped of the center divider and was disabled.
The officers detained the driver and his three passengers but they were later released and only Hoffmann was arrested without further incident, Baer said.
