Another resident apprehended for evading police

Daniel Joseph Martinez, 19, of Simi Valley was arrested for auto theft and felony evading at about 3 a.m. May 23, making him the third suspect charged with running from Simi police in seven days.

According to police reports, an officer saw what he described as a suspicious vehicle, a white Honda, its driver possibly casing the parking lot at the Creekside apartment complex in the 1500 block of Patricia Avenue for vehicles to burglarize. The area had been the scene of prior vehicle thefts.

The officer attempted to stop the car to verify the driver's identity and learn his intentions. The car's driver, Martinez, allegedly refused to stop for the officer's emergency lights and siren.

Martinez reportedly drove past the stop sign at the intersection of Los Angeles Avenue and Duncan Street, then accelerated up to 90 mph. He eventually hit the center median and a palm tree, losing control of the car on Tierra Rejada Road.

Investigation later revealed that the Honda was an unreported stolen vehicle from Thousand Oaks.

Martinez was arrested and taken to Simi Valley Hospital for treatment of injuries suffered during the chase. He was later booked at Ventura County Jail. The officer was not injured.