A man suspected of rape, kidnapping and assault with a deadly weapon pleaded not guilty Tuesday, after he was arrested in Santa Clarita last week following a short chase through the city.

Jose Amadeo Cortez, 27, is charged with one felony count of fleeing a pursuing peace officer’s motor vehicle while driving recklessly after allegedly leading law enforcement on a short pursuit through Santa Clarita Friday, according to officials with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

The pursuit started around 11:45 a.m. near the McDonald’s on Valencia Boulevard and ended a few minutes later near the intersection of Newhall Avenue and 15th Street after reaching speeds of up to 65 mph.

“The suspect is a known suspect,” said Lt. Leo Bauer with the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station at the time. “The suspect is wanted for a rape that occurred in Santa Clarita Monday night.”

The suspect was arrested on suspicion of several other charges, including felony kidnapping and assault with a deadly weapon.

The California Highway Patrol was notified of the pursuit in case the suspect moved onto the freeway, because he was headed towards the Newhall Avenue on-ramp to the southbound 14 freeway, according to officials.

“Our deputies did a good job finding him and taking him into custody,” Bauer said. “Nobody was injured in the incident.”

Cortez is expected back in court for a pre-preliminary hearing on August 14.

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