UPDATE, 5:53 p.m.:

Here’s the press release from the Fortuna Police Department:

On March 3, 2025, at approximately 1:01 PM, the Fortuna Police Department attempted a traffic stop on a green motorcycle in the 300 block of 9th Street in Fortuna. The rider failed to comply and fled, prompting a brief vehicle pursuit.

The chase ended when the pursuing police vehicle collided with private property, including a utility pole in the 800 block of O Street. Fortunately, the officer was uninjured, but the motorcycle operator continued to flee and remains at large.

Following protocol, the California Highway Patrol assisted with the collision investigation. We acknowledge that the crash caused some utility disruptions and appreciate the community’s patience as repairs are made.

The suspect was last seen riding a green off road style motorcycle westbound on O Street. If you witnessed the incident or have any information about the motorcycle or its rider, please contact the Fortuna Police Department at (707) 725-7550.

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Original post:

Live power outage map

About 400 Fortuna PG&E customers are without power this afternoon, after a Fortuna Police vehicle crashed into a historic property near the corner of 9th and O streets.

According to radio traffic at the time, at just before 1:30 p.m. a Fortuna police officer attempted a stop on a motorcyclist who ran a stop sign in the neighborhood. The motorcyclist fled from the officer’s attempts to pull him over.

Moments later, the call came in that the officer had crashed.

Photos posted to the “Fortuna Happenings” Facebook group by an account belonging to the “Gushaw-Mudgett House” — a historic home near Ninth and O streets — showed a police vehicle slammed head-first into a power pole near the building, apparently damaging an outbuilding.

“Our carport is probably toast,” said the Gushaw-Mudgett account.

Power outage updates at this link.