LAKEPORT — At approximately 12:20 p.m. on Sunday, a stolen 2000 Lexus was headed Westbound on Highway 175 toward Hopland when it crossed over the double yellow lines and collided head-on with a 1996 Chevy pick-up.
According to the California Highway Patrol”s report, the Lexus was occupied by two individuals with previous records. Christopher John Caruso, 23 of Daily City and Bruce Lee Hice, 29, of Clearlake. Caruso, who was identified as the driver, and Hice fled on foot after the collision in attempts to evade authorities.
Arriving CHP officers Carl Thompson and Adam Garcia as well as Lake County Sheriff”s Sgt. Mike Morshed began a search for the driver and passenger of the Lexus and a CHP helicopter arrived shortly after for assistance in the search. During the search, a citizen tipped off LCSO Morshed the two male suspects were attempting to flag down a ride east of the collision scene. After an hour and a half of searching the two suspects were located hiding under a bridge. Both subjects were taking into custody and booked into the Lake County Jail.
Caruso is charged with Auto theft, resisting arrest, receiving stolen property, parole violation and felony hit and run. Hice was charged as an accessory. Both suspects are due for arraignment on Tuesday in Superior Court in Lakeport.
According to the CHP report, the driver and passenger in the Chevy pick-up sustained minor injuries. They were taken to Sutter Lakeside Hostpital for treatment.
Contact Rene Morales at rmorales@record-bee.com
