Car chase leads to Arroyo Grande High School lockdown

December 6, 2012

An Oceano man who allegedly stole a truck in Arroyo Grande, rammed a police car and led officers on a chase that ended across the street from the high school, is currently being held in the San Luis Obispo County Jail.

Officers investigating reports of a truck stolen from the 7-11 store on east Grand Avenue found Brandon Michael Creary, 30, and the white Ford Ranger on the 800 block of Olive Street. Along with sheriff deputies, Arroyo Grande Police officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Creary shortly after 11 a.m. on Wednesday.

Before he fled from police, Creary backed up and rammed into both a police cruiser and a deputy’s vehicle. Officers pursued Creary until the vehicle he was driving broke down in a field directly across from the Arroyo Grande High School.

The school was placed on “lock down” for safety of the students. California Highway Patrol K-9 Units and air support arrived to offer assistance. Cleary continue to resist arrest even after the CHP dog bit him several times.

A sheriff deputy then struck the suspect several times with a baton. Cleary, however, continued to ignore officer’s commands to leave the vehicle. He was eventually removed from the truck by deputies and officers and taken into custody.

Emergency personnel transported Cleary to the Arroyo Grande Community Hospital Emergency Room to be treated for injuries. He was then booked into the San Luis Obispo County Jail on charges of vehicle theft, assault on a peace officer, resisting arrest, hit and run, DUI, being under the influence of illegal narcotics and possession of an opium pipe.