High speed chase ends in arrest

A $100,000 surety bail for pre-trial release was set in court Friday morning for Tyson K. Druffel, 38, Colfax, after he was booked into jail for a high speed chase in Colfax and on Almota Road south of Colfax early that morning.

Druffel was booked on probable charges of taking a motor vehicle without permission, attempting to elude, resisting arrest, driving with a suspended license and driving under the influence.

Colfax Officer Cory Alcantar said he received a report at 1:23 a.m. Friday that Druffel had allegedly taken a silver Chevrolet Blazer from a residence on Almota Road and was believed to be headed for a residence on Main Street in Colfax. Alcantar responded and after failing to locate the Blazer at the Colfax location, he drove up Fairview and parked near the hospital to intercept the car. He said he spotted the Blazer, which was headed westbound, and began a pursuit with a speed reading greater than 60 mph on Fairview in a 25 mph zone and later at more than 80 mph on Almota Road.

The driver stopped the car at the residence on Almota Road where he resided.

The report said the suspect initially ignored an order from Officer Alcantar to get down on the ground but later complied.

Two sheriff's deputies arrived on the scene and assisted with the arrest.

Druffel submitted to breathalyzer tests, and the highest of two readings was .198, which is more than double the legal level for intoxication.

Deputy Prosecutor Merritt Decker told the court Druffel had a record which included issuance of 14 arrest warrants in the past and asked the court to set the bail at $100,000.

Druffel argued the warrants involved arrests that happened 10 years ago.

Judge Gary Libey said he considered Druffel a danger to the public and followed the prosecutor's bail recommendation.