Fugitive Caught After Collision Ends Chase

A Santa Paula man driving a stolen Honda and wanted for a probation violation was back in jail after a high-speed chase through Ventura streets that ended when he rammed a California Highway Patrol car and attempted to flee, authorities said.

Robert Hinojosa, 24, was booked on suspicion of evading officers, reckless driving, carrying a concealed weapon and driving under the influence after the incident Tuesday night, CHP Officer Dave Webb said. Officers at the scene recovered a stun gun from Hinojosa, who also was wanted for violating probation on a fraud conviction.

Hinojosa was being held Wednesday in lieu of $55,000 bail and was set to be arraigned today at 1:30 p.m., officials said. He was also being held on suspicion of one count of grand theft auto.

Webb said Officer Frank Paramo, attempted to stop Hinojosa for speeding as he drove the Honda westbound on Highway 126 in Ventura shortly after 7 p.m. Tuesday. Hinojosa exited the freeway at Kimball Road and allegedly sped through city streets until he headed westbound on Loma Vista Avenue.

Webb said Hinojosa eventually lost control of the Honda, drove onto a nearby sidewalk and rammed Paramo’s patrol car before trying to run away.

The collision deployed the air bags in Paramo’s car, which sustained minor front-end damage, Webb said.