A homeless man from Sacramento faces multiple felony charges after allegedly stealing a police cruiser and leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase Friday afternoon that ended near Lodi. The sequence of events began around 12:30 p.m. when Sacramento police responded to reports of vandalism in the vicinity of Marysville Boulevard and South Avenue.

According to officers, the incident originated when the suspect reportedly threw a bucket at a woman’s vehicle tire without provocation and subsequently pursued her while wielding a large stick. As police officers attempted to detain the man, he fled on foot. During the pursuit, the suspect entered an unattended patrol cruiser and drove away, prompting an immediate police chase.

The stolen vehicle was pursued along Highway 99 through Sacramento, with authorities expressing concern over the presence of department-issued firearms and other equipment inside the patrol car. The chase escalated, involving dozens of law enforcement personnel responding to the situation.

California Highway Patrol officers ultimately intercepted and stopped the suspect’s vehicle near Lodi, where he was taken into custody without injury to any officers or the public. Authorities have not released the man’s name but identified him as homeless. The incident remains under investigation, with charges pending related to vehicle theft, assault, and other felonies stemming from the confrontation and subsequent pursuit.