On Sunday, a high-speed chase unfolded in the streets of Oakley, ending with the arrest of a suspect known for previous altercations with law enforcement. The pursuit began when Oakley police officers observed a suspicious vehicle, later identified as a gray 2003 Toyota Highlander, meandering through the Emerson Ranch neighborhood around 3:00 AM. According to an account shared by the City of Oakley, the Highlander, driven by 36-year-old Andrew McWirther of Bethel Island, sped off as police attempted a traffic stop.
The chase wound through the Almondtree Lane neighborhood, onto Main Street, and into Brentwood’s Atherton Boulevard area. In his escape attempt, McWirther crashed through a wrought iron fence and got stuck on a berm before fleeing on foot toward a flooded basin near Freedom High School. Deputies warned officers that McWirther had a history of physical confrontations, raising concerns about a possible violent encounter.
Cornered on dry land, McWirther allegedly claimed to have a gun and made suspicious movements. After 20 minutes of negotiation, he pulled out a small flashlight, seemingly to provoke officers. When police warned that a K9 unit was on the way, he tried to run again but was tackled and subdued after resisting arrest.
A search of McWirther’s vehicle later uncovered two 9MM starter pistols and corresponding blank ammunition, as detailed in the City of Oakley’s social media post. Post-arrest, McWirther received medical treatment before booking on charges including felony evading, physically resisting officers, and offenses related to the recovered starter pistols and ammunition.
