A routine traffic stop in Stockton turned tense on Monday when deputies say the driver took off, sparking a brief pursuit that ended near Sierra Nevada Street. According to the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, the vehicle had been tied to a residential burglary reported last week. The driver eventually surrendered to deputies, who say they recovered evidence from inside the car.
The sheriff’s office identified the suspect as 44-year-old Roger Potts, who now faces a stacked list of allegations. As reported by CBS Sacramento, deputies say those counts include kidnapping, residential burglary, possession of stolen property, evading law enforcement, hit-and-run and outstanding felony warrants.
A passenger in the vehicle told deputies they had “repeatedly asked the suspect to stop and let them out during the pursuit,” the sheriff’s office told CBS Sacramento. Investigators say they also recovered items believed to have been taken in the earlier burglary, along with tools commonly used in residential break-ins.
How California Law Sees The Charges
Under California law, kidnapping and residential burglary are treated as serious felonies. Kidnapping is defined in Penal Code 207, according to the California Legislature, and first-degree residential burglary falls under Penal Code 459, outlined by Shouse Law Group.
Evading a peace officer can be charged as a felony under Vehicle Code 2800.2 when the driving shows a wanton disregard for safety, as detailed by the California Legislature. Hit-and-run provisions cover situations where someone does not stop after a collision. If convicted, these counts can carry multi-year prison terms and other penalties, depending on prior records and the specific circumstances of the case.
What Happens Next
At the time of reporting, it was not yet clear whether formal charges had been filed or what bail might be set. The San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office will review the investigation and decide on any filings, after which the case will move through the county court system.
