3-Hour Police Chase Leads to Arrest of Big Rig Thief

Sep 22,2016

The driver of a stolen big rig led a police chase through two counties on Tuesday that eventually ended in Whitewater. The chase lasted three hours and spanned four different highways. The truck was reported stolen at 6:30 a.m. in Barstow, and deputies spotted it shortly after in Apple Valley. They attempted a traffic stop, but the driver fled onto I-15.

Police followed the vehicle into Riverside County, through Moreno Valley and then onto Highway 62 in the High Desert. At one point during the police chase, the suspect, 48-year-old James Edgley of Victorville, began speaking to a police negotiator on the phone. He was eventually convinced to surrender and came to a stop at a rest stop in Whitewater off westbound I-10. The chase ended at 1:30 p.m.

The big was carrying barrels of some type of corrosive oil that was originally on its way to be destroyed before the truck was stolen. Police say the suspect likely had some experience as a truck driver, not only because he could drive the big rig but also because he had deactivated the GPS tracking device. Edgley was booked at the Rancho Cucamonga jail for two counts of possession of a stolen vehicle and felony evading.

“Thankfully this pursuit ended peacefully and no one was injured. It could very easily have been a serious or even deadly incident. We’re grateful for the competent police officers who were able to handle the problem safely,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in a truck accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.