A man was arrested after authorities say he deliberately crashed his car into officers following a chase in San Bernardino County.
Stephen Bloomer, 52, of Twentynine Palms was arrested for the devastating incident, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department confirmed.
On December 16, officers observed the suspect’s Corvette speeding on Twentynine Palms Highway, near the intersection of Torres Avenue in Joshua Tree, shortly before 1 p.m.
Authorities tried to persuade Bloomer, but he refused and led patrol units on a hunt.
As he continued to drive erratically and speed along the road, officers said they stopped the pursuit for the safety of other drivers.
Later that day, a California Highway Patrol officer spotted Bloomer and his Corvette at a Circle K in Morongo Valley. The CHP officer attempted to stop the man, but at that point he reversed his Corvette and struck the CHP vehicle.
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A second deputy who arrived on scene parked his patrol car near the Circle K lot. The vehicle was occupied by a third deputy.
At that point, the suspect stepped on the accelerator to accelerate and rammed directly into the occupied patrol car, officials said. The officer present suffered minor injuries and was transported to hospital for treatment. He was later released.
Bloomer was apprehended at the scene and arrested for attempted murder of a peace officer and assault on a peace officer.
The incident is still under investigation. Anyone with information is urged to call Deputy Richard Maldonado or Detective Tyler A. Bengard of the Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Station at 760-366-4175.
Anonymous tips can be provided to We-Tip at 1-800-782-7463 or online at wetip.com.
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