John Xavier HanssonFRESNO, Calif. (KMPH) -
A man is behind bars, accused of leading Fresno County Sheriff's Deputies on a chase in a stolen SUV.
The man who was arrested has been identified as 36-year-old John Xavier Hansson, a parolee.
It all started Saturday morning when deputies were told to be on the lookout for a black 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer that had been stolen in the city of Fresno. Minutes later, deputies learned that police officers were chasing the SUV, but the pursuit was canceled.
Shortly before 6:30 a.m., the Trailblazer was spotted in the area of Shields and Maroa. Deputies say they tried to pull over the SUV, but the driver -- later identified as Hansson -- ended up leading them on a chase.
Deputies say the chase lasted more than ten minutes and reached speeds of more than 70 miles per hour. They say Hansson ran several stop lights and sometimes drove on the wrong side of the road.
The SUV started to have engine problems and stopped near the intersection of Fruit and Garland. The driver refused to get out.
All of the windows were tinted, so deputies were not able to see inside the SUV. They decided to deploy a bean bag round to shatter the back window.
Deputies say Hansson then got out of the SUV and was taken into custody. He was later booked into the Fresno County Jail on charges of possession of stolen property, felony evading and parole violations.
