Ferndale Police Press Release:

[Monday] at approximately 0940 hours, Sgt. Adam Stricker observed a 1998 black Honda rapidly accelerate northbound on Main Street south of Herbert Street.  The vehicle failed to yield to Sgt. Stricker’s vehicle emergency lights and siren and attempted to flee from him.

The Honda turned left (westbound) onto Market Street, right (eastbound) onto Port Kenyon then returned to northbound Highway 211.  The Honda reached speeds of 120 mph.  The Honda turned right (southbound) at Fernbridge and continued southbound onto Highway 101.  Sgt. Stricker requested assistance from Fortuna Police Department. 

Fortuna officers placed a spike strip on southbound US 101 between 12th Street and Kenmar.  The spike strip punctured three of the Honda’s tires.  The Honda took the Kenmar exit, ran a red light at Fortuna Blvd and finally came to a stop at Kenmar near Crestview.  The pursuit covered approximately 9.2 miles.  Sgt. Stricker and Fortuna officers removed the driver, identified as John Hanley, 36, Loleta, and a female passenger from the Honda. 

Hanley was arrested for Reckless Evading a Police Officer, Reckless Evading a Police Officer while driving in the opposite lane, and being an Unlicensed Driver.  He was booked in Humboldt County Jail.