Driver Accused of Trying to Hit Officer

A Ventura man accused of trying to run down a California Highway Patrol officer during a chase along Victoria Avenue is awaiting arraignment in county jail.

Michael Scott Keaser, 19, was booked on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer and evading arrest, a CHP spokesman said. Keaser could face additional charges stemming from the chase, which started just after 10 p.m. Wednesday near Telegraph Road and Victoria Avenue, the spokesman said.

A passenger of Keaser, 22-year-old Kevin Murphy of Ventura, was arrested on suspicion of being “intoxicated and unable to care for himself,� officials said.

Keaser, driving a black 1967 Pontiac Firebird, was pulled over for speeding at the intersection but he sped off when CHP Officer Mike Condon approached his car, said Officer Russ Regan, who joined Condon in the pursuit.

Keaser raced south on Victoria and tried to get onto California 126 but spun out, Regan said. Officers again tried to arrest Keaser, this time at gunpoint, Regan said. But as Condon approached the Firebird, Keaser drove the car right at the officer, Regan said.

“Mike had to make a split-second decision whether to fire or jump,� Regan said.

Condon leaped out of the way, and Keaser’s car passed within a few feet of him, Regan said.

“He definitely could have been killed,� he said.

Keaser got back onto the road, allegedly speeding south on Victoria Avenue at speeds of up to 100 mph with Regan and Condon in pursuit, authorities said.

Keaser turned onto Olivas Park Drive and drove to Harbor Boulevard, nearly hitting several other vehicles, Regan said. Keaser wrecked his car at Harbor and Channel Islands boulevards after one of his tires came off.

The two CHP officers, with the help of Oxnard police officers and sheriff’s deputies, arrested Keaser and Murphy.

Keaser told authorities that he was not trying to run over the officer when he sped away and that he fled because he was driving without a license and his car was not registered, Regan said.