A high-speed pursuit through San Bernardino County ended with an arrest in Fontana after a suspect, identified as 23-year-old Vontray Britt, allegedly robbed an ARCO gas station in Yucaipa, making off with 1,200 packs of cigarettes valued at over $6,000. According to a news release from the SBSD Yucaipa Police Department, deputies responded to the robbery last Friday, October 25. The suspects initially fled the scene in a gray Tesla.
The incident escalated when the suspect vehicle was later spotted at an apartment complex in unincorporated Bloomington. Upon deputies attempting a traffic stop, the Tesla spurred into action, fleeing at speeds exceeding 100 mph with the Sheriff’s Aviation Division in pursuit, as detailed by the SBSD Yucaipa Police Department. The high-speed chase continued onto the 10 Freeway, heading towards Ontario, where Britt was reported to have dropped off a second person and a toddler near Ontario Mills Mall, neither of whom were involved in the robbery.
The chase didn't end there, as the suspect then directed the electric vehicle back east on the freeway, eventually ditching it in a business parking lot in Fontana. Local police apprehended Britt shortly after he fled on foot. Recovered in the vehicle were the stolen goods: two cases containing 600 packs of cigarettes each. “Vontray Britt was arrested and booked at West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga for the above charges,” as stated by the SBSD Yucaipa Police Department.
Authorities are continuing their search for the second suspect implicated in the theft. The Sheriff’s department requests that anyone with information should contact Deputy A. Bremer or Detective M. Andrade at the Yucaipa Police Station, assuring that callers wishing to remain anonymous can contribute tips through the We-Tip Hotline or online. Britt is facing multiple charges, including strong arm robbery, felony child endangerment, felony failure to yield, possession of stolen property, and, conspiracy.
