Police search for driver of stolen car that crashed car in South Lake Tahoe

THURSDAY UPDATE: The suspect has been arrested. See here for more details-https://southtahoenow.com/story/05/09/2024/arrest-made-after-stolen-car-crashes-suspect-evades-police-south-lake-tahoe.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Multiple agencies responded to a stolen car being driven at a high rate of speed between Meyers and Emerald Bay Road on Wednesday afternoon at around 2 p.m. Officers from the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) had located a vehicle stolen out of Sacramento. The driver failed to stop and fled at a high rate of speed through the "Y".

When officers caught up the driver had already crashed the vehicle into rocks in front of BevMo, and he fled on foot. Witnesses told South Tahoe Now the car did a couple of "360s" right before the crash.

The California Highway Patrol, El Dorado County Sheriffs, and South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue all responded to the scene.

A perimeter was set and a search was made of the area with one of the SLTPD K9s, the department's drone, and a CHP helicopter. The driver was not located and the search ended about an hour later. Lanes of Emerald Bay Road were closed temporarily around 7 p.m. as the vehicle was removed.

The driver is described as a white male adult, 5’8” - 5’10” in height, short curly hair, mid-20s, wearing a black shirt and blue jeans. The driver appeared to be the sole occupant of the vehicle, according to SLTPD. There is no information on the driver to suggest a danger to the public. However, if someone matching the description is found acting suspiciously, call 911. There are no road closures.

"Thanks to @eldoradosheriff and @californiahighwaypatrol for the help," said SLTPD in a social media post.