A DUI charge isn’t just for those who choose to drink and drive. If someone drives after taking illegal or even prescription drugs, they can also be subject to the same charge, fines, and driving restrictions if they’re convicted.
The Ukiah Daily Journal reported on Wednesday that a Lake County man on the charge of driving under the influence of drugs after leading local police officers on a pursuit through the city’s streets.
A spokesperson for the Ukiah Police Department said that at approximately 4:00 p.m. on December 23rd, 2021, an officer observed 30-year-old Michael A. Sorrell of Clearlake driving his vehicle in the bicycle lane on Orchard Avenue.
The officer attempted to pull the motorist over, but Sorrell refused, leading officers at speeds of 60 miles per hour on streets with a 25 mile per hour speed limit.
The pursuit ended approximately 2.5 miles away when Sorrell “attempted to go over a curb that separated two apartment complex parking lots.” His vehicle came to a halt when it struck a curb, and Sorrell attempted to flee the scene on foot.
Officers apprehended the suspect after he ran into a blackberry bush and surrendered to the officers.
No one was hurt in the incident.
Officers searched Sorrell’s vehicle and found drug paraphernalia such as a pipe used to smoke methamphetamine, weapons, and burglary tools. Sorrell was arrested and booked into Mendocino County Jail. He is currently facing two counts of felony evasion of law enforcement officers, driving under the influence of drugs, and driving without a valid license. Other related charges include possession of a switchblade knife, a billy club, and burglary tools.
No further information was released at the time of the report.
