A domestic violence suspect with numerous outstanding warrants led police on a high-speed chase through Barstow and broke into an occupied home while trying to elude capture on Tuesday, officials said.
Gabriel Romero, 35, of Barstow was ultimately arrested on suspicion of kidnapping, domestic violence, recklessly evading police and resisting or obstructing police, according to San Bernardino County jail records.
The incident began about 11 p.m. June 23, when officers responded to a report of a domestic disturbance at a morel in the 1300 block of West Main Street, Barstow Police Department officials said.
It was determined that Romero “had assaulted his girlfriend and fled prior to officers’ arrival,” police said in a written statement.
Police also discovered Romero had numerous active felony arrest warrants related to charges including burglary, grand theft, drug possession and multiple counts of vehicle theft, according to police and county records.
Responding officers spotted Romero driving in the area and tried to pull him over, but he sped away, kicking off a pursuit, officials said.
“The driver failed to yield, committed several additional traffic violations, and a vehicle pursuit ensued with speeds reaching up to 100 mph,” the police statement said.
The car came to a stop just under 5 miles away in the 3600 block of West Main Street, where police said Romero abandoned it and began running through a desert area alongside a residential neighborhood.
“Romero forced his way inside an occupied residence, and officers chased him inside,” according to the statement. “Romero locked himself in a bathroom before officers forced the door open and took Romero into custody without further incident.”
The suspect was being held without bail pending legal proceedings.
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This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Domestic violence suspect leads 100‑mph chase, breaks into Barstow home
Reporting by Brian Day, Victorville Daily Press / Victorville Daily Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Brian Day, Victorville Daily Press | USA TODAY Network
