A 19-year-old man was arrested after leading deputies on a high-speed pursuit Saturday night that ended with the discovery of a loaded AR-15 rifle in his possession.
According to the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began around 11:42 p.m. near East Lerdo Highway and Beech Avenue when deputies attempted to stop a vehicle that ran a red light. The driver, identified as John Troy-Pacey Spell, fled at speeds over 100 mph.
The pursuit ended when Spell’s vehicle became disabled in a ditch after turning into a dirt field. He attempted to flee on foot but was quickly taken into custody.
Deputies later recovered a backpack belonging to Spell containing a fully loaded AR-15 rifle and ammunition. Authorities have not disclosed the purpose for the weapon.
Spell was arrested on multiple felony charges, including possession of an assault weapon, felony evading, resisting arrest, possession of a high-capacity magazine, and carrying a loaded firearm in a vehicle. His bail was set at $130,000.
