PALMDALE — A man who led local law enforcement on multiple pursuits throughout the Antelope Valley has been captured, thanks to a tipster who saw the suspect on “Palmdale’s Most Wanted,” authorities said.
Jonathan Escobar, 22, of Lancaster was taken into custody around 11 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, according to LASD inmate records.
Escobar was arrested after an anonymous informant contacted authorities, according to a news release from the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station.
“The informant recognized suspect Escobar from ‘Palmdale’s Most Wanted’ and gave deputies his location. Deputies immediately responded to the location and suspect Escobar surrendered without incident,” the news release states.
Escobar was booked on several outstanding warrants — including grand theft auto, driving under the influence and evading a peace officer — which totaled more $200,000, according to the sheriff’s department.
Escobar was the subject of multiple police pursuits in the Antelope Valley involving sheriff’s deputies from Lancaster and Palmdale, as well as the California Highway Patrol, sheriff’s officials said.
“The pursuits began last summer, with the most recent taking place on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016. His pursuits occurred at night and he frequently evaded law enforcement by driving at excessive speeds and turning off his vehicle’s lights,” the sheriff’s news release states. “The last pursuit resulted in suspect Escobar crashing his vehicle and fleeing the scene on foot, leaving two injured passengers in his vehicle.”
Escobar was included on a “Most Wanted” list that was featured in local news media last week, leading to his capture.
“Because of the public’s help, ‘Palmdale’s Most Wanted’ has shown to be very successful in capturing individuals who pose a danger to our community. The station receives multiple calls a week from the public wanting to assist station detectives in getting these individuals off our streets,” sheriff’s officials said in the news release. “On behalf of the Palmdale Sheriff Station, we would like to thank the public for their continuous support in keeping our community safe.”
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Previous related story: AV’s Most Wanted
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Rex says
If only Palmdale had LEAPS he never would have gotten away!
LEAPS SUCKS says
LEAPS.What a joke. $10 million dollars flushed down the toiled and ending up at Rex’s political contributor’s house.
Bye bye says
He left two injured passengers in his vehicle!? What a great friend! Glad he’s off the streets! Thank you, to the informant who gave the information! Two thumbs up for you!!