FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 10/02/2025 FELONY SUSPECT CAPTURED AFTER VEHICLE PURSUIT SUSPECT(S):...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 10/02/2025 FELONY SUSPECT CAPTURED AFTER VEHICLE PURSUIT

SUSPECT(S): 27-year-old James Ihle, a resident of Ridgecrest, CA

CHARGE(S): 2800.2(A) VC - Evade peace officer with wanton disregard for safety (F) 2800.4 VC - Evading a peace officer: Wrong-way driver (F) 594(A)(2) PC - Vandalism: damage property (F) 148(A)(1) PC - Obstruct/Resist Peace Officer (M) 20002(A) VC - Hit and Run with Property Damage - All other offenses (M) 11377(a) HS – Possession of Controlled Substance. 11395(a) HS – Possession of Controlled Substance w/Priors. 466 PC - Possession of Burglary Tools 496(A) – Possession of Stolen Property

On September 29, 2025, at approximately 9:50 AM, the Ridgecrest Police Department received a FLOCK Safety notification alerting officers to a stolen vehicle entering city limits. Corporal Kyle Cushman quickly located the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. The driver, later identified as James Ihle, refused to yield, and a brief pursuit ensued.

During the pursuit, Ihle drove at dangerous speeds, traveled against oncoming traffic, and disregarded a posted stop sign. The pursuit came to an end when Ihle collided with a brick wall and attempted to escape on foot. He ran through several residential backyards and vaulted multiple fences before being apprehended by pursuing officers.

A subsequent search of Ihle and the stolen vehicle revealed narcotics and stolen property. He was arrested and booked into the Kern County jail on multiple charges.

“Time and again, the FLOCK system has proven to be a valuable tool for the Ridgecrest Police Department,” said Chief Ysit. “I’m proud of our Officers’ commitment to protecting this community through proactive policing. To those who come here seeking to victimize Ridgecrest, know this: we will use every resource available to track you down, and you will go to jail.”

Mario Ysit, CHIEF OF POLICE PREPARED BY: Sergeant Nathan Lloyd