Chase leads police through three cities, ends when spike strip deployed

A wanted man led Visalia police on a chase through three cities early Friday morning, ending only after police used a spike strip to stop him.

Officers tried to pull over Jaime Mendes, 32, at Highway 198 and Lover’s Lane around 1:30 a.m., police Sgt. Damon Maurice said. The driver didn’t stop, but continued east on Highway 198.

The chase continued into Exeter, through the outskirts of Farmersville and back to Visalia before a spike strip was thrown, flattening all of Mendes’ tires, Maurice said.

The vehicle hit and damaged a sprinkler system at an apartment complex in the area of Walnut Avenue and Divisadero Street.

Mendes was allegedly in possession of a small amount of meth, and was found to be a wanted parolee. The vehicle had stolen license plates attached, Maurice said.

Mendes was arrested on suspicion of failure to yield, DUI, possession of meth and possession of stolen property.

This story was originally published December 8, 2017 at 8:10 AM with the headline "Chase leads police through three cities, ends when spike strip deployed."