Occurred on 9/19/12,8:07 pm  Evading Arrest/U.U.M.V  1400 Ray Drive 1209190154 & C1207157

Police were called to the Wal-Mart at 4109 S. Staples Street for a shoplifting in progress.  Store employees reported a Hispanic male was observed stealing a pair of tennis shoes.  The man walked out of the store and drove off in a black older model Delta 88.

Officers located the vehicle in the 2300 block of Gollihar Road and attempted to pull it over, but the driver refused to stop.  A pursuit ensued which ended in the 1400 block of Ray Drive where the drive bailed out of the vehicle and fled on foot.  The vehicle came to a stop at 1410 Ray Drive where it struck the corner of the house.

Gumecindo Hernandez (07/18/82) was apprehended after a short pursuit and arrested.  Further investigation revealed the vehicle had been stolen from Spohn Memorial. Hernandez was found to be wearing “leads” commonly used for EKG testing and a hospital bracelet.  Officers contacted a nurse at the hospital who confirmed the vehicle had been stolen during his shift along with several hundred dollars in the glove box.

Wal-Mart employees positively identified Hernandez’s tennis as the ones stolen from their store.  They were tagged as evidence.

Hernandez who appeared intoxicated and unsteady on his feet was taken to Spohn Shoreline for a blood draw.  Once medically cleared, he was booked at the City Detention Center.  Hernandez was charged with Theft~Shoplifting, Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, Driving While Intoxicated, and Evading Arrest in a Vehicle.