On December 5, 2018, at approximately 2:15 AM, a deputy working in the area of Peterson Road and Panamint Court observed a pickup truck driving around the parking lot of the Super 8 Motel and the Econo Lodge parking lots. The deputy noticed various equipment violations and attempted a traffic stop on the vehicle.

The suspect initially slowed down but then fled from the deputy.  The suspect would slow down and do circles in the middle of the street while slamming on his brakes, attempting to get deputies to hit him on numerous occasions.  A second deputy responded to assist, and his vehicle was hit on the side by the suspect.

The suspect then headed east on Highway 94 when he slowed down and left the roadway into a field. He was observed hitting various items in the field and was driving in circles, subsequently crashing his car and disabling it.  Patrol units were able to find a way to enter the field and found the vehicle unoccupied.  The suspect was found lying on the ground with a Bible around his head.  The suspect was believed to be under the influence of narcotics.

The suspect has been identified as Hector Villa Diaz, DOB: 8/11/94.  He was into the Criminal Justice Center on various charges including 1st Degree Assault on Peace Officer and Vehicular Eluding and Reckless Driving.

A mug shot of Villa Diaz is attached to this media release.