A suspect is in custody after he intentionally hit multiple California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer’s vehicles during a high-speed pursuit early Thursday morning.

Around 12:10 a.m. Thursday, Newhall CHP Officers observed a white Ford F150 traveling at a high rate of speed of 90 mph and changing lanes in a reckless manner on the southbound 5 Freeway, south of Calgrove Boulevard, said Officer Josh Greengard, spokesperson for the CHP Newhall Area Office.

“CHP officers activated the patrol vehicle’s emergency lights to conduct an enforcement stop,” Greengard said. “The Ford briefly stopped on the right shoulder north of SR-14 before it accelerated from the shoulder transitioning onto northbound SR-14 at an estimated speed of 100 mph.”

The officer activated its patrol vehicles siren and a pursuit ensued, Greengard said.

“The Ford exited at Newhall Avenue and traversed several city streets before entering a neighborhood,” Greengard said. “The pursuing officer briefly lost sight of the vehicle but continued to search the immediate area and located the Ford stopped along the right curb in front of a residence.”

CHP officers observed the suspect, who had abandoned the vehicle, run back toward the truck from the front yard of the residence.

The suspect reentered the Ford, made a U-turn, and allegedly intentionally rammed the front end of the patrol vehicle before fleeing the scene at a high rate of speed, according to CHP reports.
“Officers re-engaged in the pursuit, the Ford traverse several city streets, entered the northbound SR-14,” Greengard said.

The SCV chase exited at Sierra Highway, entered a neighborhood before entering a cul-de-sac and coming to a stop on Friendly Valley Parkway, Greengard said.

“As the Newhall units began conducting a felony stop, the Ford suddenly accelerated ramming the front end of two patrol vehicles,” Greengard said. “The Ford temporarily became disabled which allowed Newhall officers to open the driver’s door and take the suspect into custody.”

Cheyne Watkins was arrested for felony evading, multiple charges of assault on a peace officer, and gun charges, Greengard said.

Watkins was arrested and transported to the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station.

CHP officers suffered minor injuries.

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