GUSTINE — A 28‑year‑old Gustine man was arrested Saturday night after police say he led officers on a high‑speed pursuit that ended when he crashed into a tree and his vehicle caught fire, according to Sgt. Frank Martinez of the Gustine Police Department.
The incident began at about 11:36 p.m. July 11, when Sgt. Gilstrap saw a 2018 Honda Civic commit several moving violations while traveling on Sullivan Road. The driver accelerated, turned northbound onto Whiteworth Road and shut off his headlights while continuing at a high rate of speed, police said.
Sgt. Gilstrap activated his emergency lights to conduct a traffic stop, but the driver failed to pull over and continued into Newman, committing additional violations. The pursuit moved onto Upper Road before the driver turned westbound onto Sandy Creek Drive. He then attempted to turn southbound onto Park Circle and collided with a tree.
As Sgt. Gilstrap approached the vehicle, it began filling with smoke. Officer Alvarez arrived to assist, and the officers shattered the windows to unlock the doors, cut the driver’s seat belt and pulled him from the vehicle, which was partially on fire. Police said the man was conscious and breathing and later complained of leg pain.
The driver, identified as Pedro Salazar Serna, admitted to medical staff that he had been drinking before being airlifted to a hospital for surgery on broken bones in his leg. Officers obtained a warrant for a blood sample and sought a Ramey warrant for his arrest due to the medical treatment required.
Serna faces the following charges:
- Evading an officer with wanton disregard for public safety
- Evading an officer while driving against traffic or in a reckless manner
- Driving under the influence of alcohol
- Driving with a blood‑alcohol level of 0.08% or higher
- Driving without a valid license
The case remains under investigation.
