07/11/18 Cedarville, CA – CHP Unit Stolen Following A Pursuit Of Stolen Vehicle – Suspect Jumped Into Running CHP Vehicle And Drove 5 Miles – Suspect Escaped

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A Nevada man is wanted after allegedly stealing a California Highway Patrol (CHP) vehicle during a police pursuit Monday in Modoc County.

Brandon James Quinonez, 27, was still at large Wednesday following a pursuit with police Monday afternoon in Cedarville, Calif.

A release from CHP said Quinonez was contacted around 4:15 p.m. after police received reports of a suspicious vehicle parked in a residential driveway on Wallace St., near Main St. The vehicle was reported stolen from Sparks, Nev., and, when the officer attempted an arrest, Quinonez fled on foot.

With the officer in close pursuit, Quinonez jumped into the officer’s vehicle and fled in the patrol car. A Modoc County Sheriff’s Deputy located the vehicle five miles away. The car had been abandoned by the suspect and was undamaged, with all equipment accounted for.

CHP searched for Quinonez with help from the sheriff’s office and CHP air support, however the suspect could not be found.

Police believe Quinonez fled in a Toyota Tundra pickup stolen from a nearby residence bearing California license plate 44427F2. The stolen truck had an ATV in the bed at the time of the theft.

The release said CHP previously had contact with Quinonez Sunday at Chimney Rock Travel Center, in Alturas. At the time no criminal activity was observed and no law enforcement action was taken.

Quinonez was described as a 5’11”, 175-pound Hispanic male with brown hair and eyes. He is wanted on charges of vehicle theft and resisting arrest.