PAMLDALE – A suspected DUI driver allegedly crashed his pickup truck into a home near Tehachapi and then led California Highway Patrol officers on a 70-mile chase that ended in the Antelope Valley Tuesday evening, authorities said.
James Edgar McKie, 49, was taken into custody by local CHP officers around 6:50 p.m. Tuesday, July 7, on the Antelope Valley (14) Freeway, just south of Soledad Canyon Road. He was booked into Kern County Jail for felony evading, driving under the influence of alcohol/ drugs, and assault with a deadly weapon, according to CHP Officer Gil Hernandez.
The chase began around 5:30 p.m. after the CHP’s Mojave office received a call about a vehicle crashing into an occupied home on Sand Canyon Road. At least one resident was injured, but the extent of the injuries was not immediately available.
When officers responded to the area, the suspect had already fled the scene, according to CHP Sgt. Michelle Fournier.
“The suspect vehicle, a white pickup, was found approximately 2 to 3 miles away, and the suspect driver was seen standing in the back of the pickup truck,” Fournier said. When officers tried to contact McKie, he yelled obscenities at them, jumped in his truck and took off, Fournier added.
Officers trailed McKie on rural roads in Kern County, on Highway 58, and then on the southbound Antelope Valley (14) Freeway, CHP officials said.
Officers attempted at least two pit maneuvers on the 14 Freeway, and on the second pit maneuver, the truck spun out and crashed into the center divider, Fournier said.
The suspect then jumped out of the truck and ran across freeway lanes to the northbound side of SR-14, according to Fournier.
“Two of the Antelope Valley CHP officers ran behind him. As the suspect hit the right shoulder, he started to run down the embankment and fell down, by himself,” Fournier said. “The officers then got into position and, when he went to stand up, took him into custody with no further incident.”
McKie remains jailed in lieu of $80,000 bail, according to Kern County inmate records.
Danny says
Wasn’t the first time he did won’t be the last, they should of shot him.
Tony says
Wow!
We almost had another “killed by a DUI” thanks God nothing worst happened and the CHP goy him before any further damage.
Please put him away for good! People just never learn.
Please! Dont drink and drive!
Tim Scott says
WOW!
I missed the part where he almost killed someone on first reading!
Oh.
Apparently the reason I missed it is because it isn’t there.
I do find it interesting that before law enforcement got involved the guy was standing drunkenly in the back of his truck. How did this turn into a potentially deadly 70 mile pursuit again?
Tony says
Well, READ AGAIN!
CHP’s Mojave office received a call about a vehicle crashing into an occupied home on Sand Canyon Road. At least one resident was injured.
what part of at least one resident was injured you did not understand??
what part of vehicle crashing in to an occupied home you did no get???
This person had the luck on his/her side and wasnt probably badly injured as you will wanted so you can now accept that some one almost got killed and it was not because your hero here tried to avoid the damage!
Tim Scott says
Yeah, and when they got there the truck was parked and dude was standing in the back of it…and seventy miles of dangerous chase later they caught him. Never occurred to them to just let him stagger around, because, y’know, high speed chases are one of the fun benefits that come with the job.
Your need to worship people with badges is interesting. Any idea where that comes from?
Claire says
Wow! Your comments about this article Tim, are so far out there with your double-speak. You talk about others making unsubstantiated comments, when actually you are the culprit. Mr. McKie was at the wheel of a deadly weapon, and he should never be allowed to drive again. Endangering the lives of human beings because he can’t take responsibility for his actions. He didn’t give a darn about anyone but himself.
Cynic says
What, no anti-law enforcement diatribe from Tim Scott..? His radar must be malfunctioning.
Anyhow, it’s pretty reckless to lead CHP’s through such a long car chase. I’m glad no one got hurt.
Tim Scott says
I seldom have any issue with the CHP, since for the most part they seem to do a pretty good job. And I don’t see any reason to comment on this situation, since unlike the LACSD would likely have done they didn’t shoot the guy or beat him to a pulp. Glad you’re thinking of me though.
Johnny Trece says
The CHP and the LACSD never get along. They are both very different from one another. The CHP are extremely professional. The LACSD are uniformed thugs.
Johnny Trece says
I have seen the news clip yesterday on the News. He fell belly first at the bottom of the embankment.
queen says
This puke has been running rampid for way to long here im so glad to see him in jail
He has caused injury to two of my neighbors Loved ones and THEIR. Property.good Riddance. pos.
Tony says
YES!!
Good riddance!
And the score is;
Law enforcement, 172 Tim Scott’s heros (read criminals) 3..
eeejaii..
Claire says
Thank you officers!