An incident involving a high-speed chase and subsequent crash in Camarillo has led to multiple felony charges against a Lancaster man, identified as Jalen Amir Yoakum. Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko confirmed that 24-year-old Yoakum, a documented Los Angeles County gang member, faces six felony charges, which include evading police causing injury and various firearms-related offenses, as detailed by the Ventura County District Attorney's Office. In addition, Yoakum has been charged with misdemeanor hit-and-run charges and one count of petty theft.
The events unfolded on January 24 when Ventura County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a theft at a Target store in Camarillo. KTLA reports that surveillance footage captured Yoakum allegedly concealing merchandise and exiting the store without payment. Upon being confronted by store security, he fled, which led detectives to his vehicle. Yoakum allegedly attempted to avoid arrest by ramming into an undercover law enforcement vehicle, sparking a dangerous pursuit that ended with a crash involving two other vehicles on Santa Rosa Road.
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office stated, “Following his arrest, authorities recovered a loaded firearm with an extended magazine believed to have been discarded by Yoakum during the pursuit." The crash reportedly left one of the vehicles flipped, resulting in serious injuries to the driver and injuries to three additional occupants. After attempting to flee on foot post-crash, Yoakum was apprehended and taken into custody.
Yoakum entered a plea of not guilty to all counts when he was arraigned on January 30. He is due in court again for an early disposition conference on February 10. Currently, Yoakum remains in custody at Ventura County Jail, with bail set at $2 million.
