Police Car Rammed During Stolen Car Chase In Davis

DAVIS (CBS13) – A high speed chase in South Davis ended with a police cruiser being rammed by a car theft suspect, and authorities said the incident is part of a recent spike in car thefts in the area.

The Davis Police Department said 25-year-old Oakland resident Teluluai Francis Lesui was spotted driving a stolen Acura on the 1800 block of Cowell Boulevard just before 2:00 a.m. Friday.

When an officer attempted to pull Lesui over, the suspect allegedly hit the gas, fleeing through nearby streets at high speed until he was cornered in the Benbow Court cul-de-sac.

Davis Officer Pheng Ly blocked the escape route with his police cruiser, but Lesui allegedly rammed it, causing moderate damage but no injuries. Lesui ditched the vehicle and was found hiding in a backyard on the 1200 block of Drummond Avenue.

In the last month, Davis detectives have recovered several cars stolen from the East Bay, and at least 12 cars reported stolen in Davis were found in the Bay Area. Investigators suspect Friday's incident is connected to a stolen car ring.

Many of the stolen cars are taken from Davis apartment complexes, possibly because many properties don't have gated entry and provide easy access to Interstate 80.

Lesui is facing charges of vehicle theft, evading police, assault with a deadly weapon and drug possession.