Traffic on southbound Highway 99 near Elk Grove slowed to a crawl Tuesday when multiple suspects ditched a stolen car and ran off near the Dillard Road offramp, kicking off a search through nearby fields and freeway ramps.
According to FOX40, the California Highway Patrol, Elk Grove Police Department and Sacramento County Sheriff's Department converged on the scene after several people bailed out of the vehicle at the Dillard Road exit. The response left drivers creeping through the area as officers worked to secure the scene and track down those who took off.
Where the search played out
The search centered on the Dillard Road overcrossing and surrounding ramps, just south of Elk Grove city limits. The stretch is no stranger to slowdowns, with prior crashes and closures already putting it on law enforcement and traffic officials' radar.
Caltrans keeps a close eye on this portion of SR-99 and regularly alerts drivers when collisions or construction squeeze traffic. Caltrans District 3 posts project updates and travel information for the corridor, and motorists are routinely warned to expect delays whenever lanes are shut down.
What authorities are saying
As of the latest reports, it was not clear whether any of the suspects had been caught, FOX40 noted. Officials urged drivers headed through the south Elk Grove segment of Highway 99 to take it slow, keep an eye out for officers on the roadway and consider alternate routes while the search continued.
How to help
Anyone who may have seen the suspects, captured relevant dash-cam video or has information tied to the incident is asked to contact the Elk Grove Police Department or the California Highway Patrol's South Sacramento office through their non-emergency lines. Before heading through the area, drivers are encouraged to check official agency feeds for the latest updates on conditions along this portion of SR-99.
