HIDDEN VALLEY LAKE — A high-speed motorcycle pursuit on June 9 resulted in the arrest of a Middletown man for felony evasion and reckless driving. Leftrick Herd, 30, was taken into custody by about an hour and a half after California Highway Patrol Officer G. Buchholz discontinued his pursuit for concern of public safety.
According to the CHP, at approximately 1:17 p.m. Officer Buchholz attempted to initiate an enforcement stop on the black 2007 Yamaha FZ1 Herd was riding.
At the time the officer initiated the stop, Herd was allegedly traveling in excess of 70 mph southbound on Highway 29 north of Spruce Grove Road North. There was a passenger on the motorcycle, the CHP said.
After Officer Buchholz activated his emergency lights and siren, Herd allegedly accelerated to speeds in excess of 100 mph in an attempt to evade the officer. “The subject also passed numerous vehicles over double yellow lines while on blind corners, nearly causing collision,” CHP stated.
“Fearing for the safety of the public, Officer Buchholz discontinued the pursuit north of Hidden Valley Lake and lost sight of the motorcycle.”
A short time later, Hidden Valley Lake security advised the department that the motorcycle and the passenger were seen parked near North Shore Drive at Deer Hill Road.
Officer Buchholz responded to the area and confirmed it was the motorcycle and passenger.
Herd alleged left the area on foot prior to the officers” arrival. However, while officers were impounding the motorcycle, Herd approached the officers and turned himself in.
The CHP said that Herd was then taken into custody without incident and booked into Lake County Jail for felony evasion and reckless driving.
Contact South County reporter Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
