A Turlock man was arrested Sunday on a variety of charges after intentionally driving his camper van into oncoming traffic, according to the Turlock Police Department.
Police say Robert Leverett, 45, was purposefully driving into oncoming traffic and swerving in and out of traffic lanes, because he was chasing an individual he was upset with.
Leverett was initially reported around 10:30 p.m. Sunday as a drunk driver near the area of Crowell Road and Monte Vista Avenue, but when a patrol officer reached the area, Leverett was seen driving in an aggressive manner and nearly hitting another vehicle, said Turlock Police Lt. Ron Reid.
The officer attempted to pull the van over, but Leverett sped off, Reid said.
The pursuit wound its way through several city streets and reached speed of 50 mph. At one point Leverett pulled over at Christofferson Parkway and Golden State Boulevard like he was coming to a stop, but took off again.
Seven minutes after the pursuit started, it came to an end on Hotel Drive, when Leverett pulled over and took off on foot.
The suspect did not get very far before he was shot with a Taser gun and taken into custody.
In Leverett’s van police found a loaded and chambered 1911 style handgun.
Leverett was booked into Stanislaus County Jail on charges of assault with a deadly weapon, felony evading, and possession of a loaded and concealed weapon. He remains in jail in lieu of a $20,000 bail.
To contact Sabra Stafford, e-mail sstafford@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2002.