Reckless Driver Arrested After Pursuit

Resident reports led officers to erratic driver

A 53-year old Concord man is facing charges after leading police on a chase along Camino Ramon Friday morning.

Police Chief Allan Shields said the incident began around 11:23 a.m. when police received calls from concerned residents about a reckless driver in a white Toyota Camry on El Capitan Drive near the Iron Horse Trail. Callers reported the vehicle driving at a high rate of speed with the driver’s door open.  Officers located the vehicle a few moments later travelling north on Camino Ramon and initiated pursuit. The driver of the auto, identified as James Reidy, 53, Concord, drove the Camry into the oncoming lanes of traffic for a short distance before making a U-turn near the intersection with Sycamore Valley Road and returning south. The vehicle left the roadway, going over the curb and onto the soft shoulder and coming to a halt. 

Reidy refused officers commands to exit the vehicle and physically resisted officer’s attempts to handcuff him.  An officer deployed their taser to assist in subduing Reidy and he was taken into custody.  The suspect was treated at the scene for minor abrasions by San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District paramedics.

Reidy is also being sought by both the Concord Police for incidents in that city, as well as the CHP after he allegedly collided with several vehicles while on I-680. 

Reidy was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on charges of using his vehicle to flee police, driving the wrong way while fleeing police, driving under the influence of alcohol, and probation violation. 

Chief Shields said he was pleased the officers were able to get Reidy off the street as quickly as possible, and expressed thanks for the residents who reported the reckless driving and helped direct police to the suspect in a short amount of time.

“This is another example of how the police/community partnership helps keep Danville safe,” Shields said. “The community members deserve credit for helping guide officers to the vehicle, which allowed us to bring this incident to a safe conclusion.”

For more information, contact Lt. Jason Ingrassia at (925) 314-3700 or jingrassia@danville.ca.gov.