Deputy Suffers Broken Arm Answering a Call for Service in Ukiah
Suspect had multiple outstanding warrants
A Mendocino County sheriff’s deputy suffered a broken arm while pursuing a Ukiah man wanted on multiple outstanding warrants Friday night, according to the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies were first dispatched at approximately 8:27 p.m. June 5 to a residence in the 3900 block of North State Street after receiving a report of a man causing a disturbance. According to the Sheriff’s Office, deputies found no evidence of a disturbance and were unable to locate anyone involved after speaking with a neighbor and checking the area.
About an hour later, at approximately 9:50 p.m., deputies were called back to the same address for another report of a disturbance.
The Sheriff’s Office said deputies knew that 31-year-old Diego Vallejo lived at the residence and that he had multiple outstanding arrest warrants, including a felony warrant alleging reckless evasion of a peace officer.
After receiving no response at the front door, a deputy reportedly observed Vallejo in the backyard and told him that he was under arrest on the outstanding warrants. According to the Sheriff’s Office, Vallejo fled on foot rather than surrendering.
The deputy pursued Vallejo a cluttered backyard that authorities described as containing aggressive dogs, patio furniture, makeshift fencing, disabled vehicles and landscaping materials.
During the chase, the deputy fell and suffered a fractured right humerus, the bone of the upper arm, according to the Sheriff’s Office. The deputy was transported to a local hospital, where the injury was determined to be a serious bodily injury.
Officers from the Ukiah Police Department responded to assist and ultimately took Vallejo into custody.
In addition to the outstanding warrants, Vallejo was arrested on suspicion of violating California Penal Code section 148.10, which makes it a felony to resist or obstruct a peace officer when that conduct proximately causes serious bodily injury to the officer.
Vallejo was booked into the Mendocino County Jail and is being held on $51,500 bail, according to the Sheriff’s Office.