A man who led law enforcement on a pursuit through Keyes in a stolen truck was sentenced to prison on Jan. 6.
Anthony Joseph Mendez, 30, of Keyes was convicted of auto theft, evading a peace officer, driving under the influence, and resisting arrest. He was sentenced to three years and eight months to state prison. Mendez is currently on parole for possession of a dangerous weapon from May 2007, according to the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office.
On Dec. 24, 2010, Mendez was seen driving erratically in a Ford Ranger on northbound Highway 99, near Crowslanding Road. A license plate check revealed that the truck was reported stolen less than an hour before from the owner’s driveway on Greendale Drive in Keyes.
The officer then activated his red lights and siren to perform a traffic stop, but Mendez accelerated away at over 60 mph in a 25 mph zone, running through a red traffic light and colliding with a white SUV in an attempt to evade the pursuing officer. Mendez jumped out of the truck and ran, but was caught a short distance away.
The officer was able to determine that Mendez was under the influence of a stimulant and was in possession of a glass methamphetamine pipe, as well as a syringe.