LUCERNE — A police chase that began in an empty parking lot Friday afternoon ended with the arrest of a man who was allegedly in possession of an ounce of methamphetamine and $1,400 in cash.
Narcotics officers with the Lake County Sheriff”s Office (LCSO) approached Timothy Todd Ryden, 47, who was sitting in a light blue BMW parked in an empty parking lot at 1:10 p.m., LCSO Lt. Steve Brooks stated in a press release Monday. Detectives had received information of a vehicle matching the BMW”s description that had been involved in drug sales.
When sheriff”s officers approached the vehicle, Ryden allegedly sped off and led police on a chase travelling east on Country Club Drive in speeds exceeding 60 mph in a 25 mph zone. Brooks also stated that Ryden ran several stop signs during the chase.
The detectives lost Ryden for a while, but later located him in front of a residence in the 6000 block of First Avenue in Lucerne as he was trying to cover the car with a tarp, Brooks stated. Ryden tried to run away but was apprehended shortly after. Detectives allegedly found the bag containing the methamphetamine near Ryden at the time of the arrest and located the $1,400 in the driver-side door pocket.
Ryden was charged with evading a peace officer with willful and wanton disregard for the safety of people and property, possession of a controlled substance for sale, resisting arrest and being an unlicensed driver, Brooks stated. His felony probation was also violated.
