An attempted traffic stop turned into a high-speed chase through south Turlock and north Merced County on Friday morning and ended with a crash and non-fatal gunshot wound.
At approximately 3:50 a.m. Friday a Turlock Police officer saw a suspicious vehicle on the southeast portion of the city driving with its lights off. When officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop, the driver of the vehicle took off at a high rate of speed. A pursuit ensued, going through portions of Stanislaus and Merced counties and reaching speeds in excess of 80 mph, according to the police department.
The driver of the vehicle drove into a field near the town of Snelling and crashed. The driver ran from the scene, but was located several hours later. He was identified as Bailey Groves, 42.
Two female passengers in the vehicle were transported to area hospitals with complaints of pain injuries. The third passenger was a male and he had suffered a gunshot wound which was non-life threatening and was transported to area hospital.
The circumstances of the shooting is still under investigation, however, Bailey was booked into Stanislaus County Jail on charges of assault with a deadly weapon, evading police and a parole violation.
The Turlock Police Department is an active participant in the Crime Stoppers Program. Callers can leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at 521-4636 and may be eligible for a cash reward.