Citrus Heights police seek suspect after high speed chase called off

Police are seeking help from the public to identify a suspect sought in connection with a stolen vehicle and high-speed pursuit that began shortly after 5 a.m. Tuesday.

Images of the suspect were released on the Citrus Heights Police Department’s social media pages late Tuesday evening, with limited details. Additional information was later provided to The Sentinel on Wednesday afternoon by Special Operations Lt. Jason Russo.

Police said the pursuit began in Citrus Heights after officers located a stolen pickup truck and attempted to stop the driver. The suspect then fled, ran several red lights, and reached high speeds during the pursuit, Lt. Russo said.

“We ended up cancelling the pursuit, but we are looking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect in the photo because we believe he is related to the stolen vehicle,” Russo told The Sentinel. He said images were acquired through an investigation of the incident, but was not able to provide what location the photos were taken.

“We’re hoping that someone recognizes his face and provides us with a tip so we can contact the person,” the lieutenant said. He described the man in the photos as having dark-colored hair and a short or scruffy beard, but said the suspect’s age, height, and weight could not be determined due to the poor quality of the images.

The stolen vehicle involved is described as a dark-colored, newer model Chevy pickup with a tool box in back.

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Lt. Russo said several factors are evaluated during a pursuit which can cause police to cancel the action, including the seriousness of offense, nature of crime, and traffic conditions.

“We want to ensure that we keep the public’s safety in mind, as well as the need to apprehend a subject,” Russo said.

Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to contact Citrus Heights police at (916) 727-5500 and reference case #17-03116.