CLEARLAKE — Clearlake Police deployed TASERs twice in apprehending a suspect Wednesday who tried to run after an officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop. Ray Lamb, 38, of Clearlake was ultimately taken into custody by force on the 14900 block of Lakeshore Drive around 4 p.m.
Lamb was transported to St. Helena Hospital Clearlake for medical clearance before being booked into Lake County jail on multiple charges.
According to Clearlake Police Chief Allan McClain, an officer initiated a traffic stop on Lamb, who was riding a motorcycle, in the area of Ballpark Avenue and Old Highway 53. When Lamb failed to yield, a pursuit ensued.
The low-speed pursuit led officers through residential streets in the area of Palmer Avenue; across Lakeshore Drive and back into the Ballpark Avenue area. At one point, Lamb ditched the motorcycle and attempted to evade officers on foot, jumping fences of homes on the corner of Ballpark and Blue Jay avenues.
Officers, including Dex the new canine officer, continued to pursue Lamb as he led them through the ball fields and through the path adjacent to Clearlake Plaza that accesses Lakeshore Drive. Chief McClain followed Lamb toward Lakeshore Drive, imploring him to stop. Lamb was ignoring Chief McClain”s request as additional units arrived, which ultimately surrounded Lamb on Lakeshore Drive.
Despite several officers being on scene, Lamb continued to resist and a TASER was deployed for the second time, the first time having been during mid-pursuit. Lamb continued to struggle with police after falling to the ground in reaction to the TASER deployment.
Lamb was expected to be taken into custody and booked into Lake County Jail for resisting arrest and possession of a syringe, which McClain said contained an unknown liquid, possibly a narcotic. It was later determined that the motorcycle was stolen. Lamb was not booked as of press time.
Contact South County reporter Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
