THIS IS A DIRECT REPOST OF THE SANTA ROSA POLICE DEPARTMENT MEDIA RELEASE
On Tuesday November 2nd at approximately 2:48 a.m., a Santa Rosa Police Officer was in the area of Dutton Avenue and West 3rd Street when he observed a Silver Infinity Sedan run a red light through the intersection. The vehicle continued at a high rate of speed northbound on Dutton Avenue before turning back around towards the eastbound Highway 12 on-ramp.
The officer followed the Infinity Sedan and attempted a traffic stop, but the Infinity did not yield for the officer. The Infinity continued at approximately 80 MPH, eastbound on Highway 12. The Infinity turned briefly onto northbound Farmers Lane before getting back onto westbound Highway 12. The Infinity accelerated to speeds over 90 MPH while driving along Highway 12, making it to the interchange for southbound Highway 101.
The Infinity continued southbound along Highway 101, reaching speeds over 100 MPH. The Infinity’s engine appeared to catch fire near the Highway 116 off-ramp in Cotati. The Infinity came to a stop along the shoulder of southbound Highway 101 as the vehicle fire continued. Officers were able to quickly approach the Infinity and took the male driver and a female passenger into custody and moved them to safety.
California Highway Patrol officers assisted with a temporary shutdown of southbound Highway 101, while Fire Personnel responded to extinguish the flames in the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Skyler Rasmussen, a 26-year-old resident of Santa Rosa. The female passenger was identified as Brittany Hamilton, a 32-year-old resident of Santa Rosa. Neither of them was injured. It was determined that alcohol or drugs were not a factor during the pursuit.
Rasmussen was subsequently arrested for Felony Evading and for a Felony Parole and Probation violation.
Hamilton was also arrested for a total of 7 misdemeanor warrants.
