The motorcyclist, Ronald Jay Nishioka, 47, of Reno, Nev., was transported to Banner Lassen Medical Center (BLMC) for a complaint of pain to his right shoulder. After medical clearance, he was booked into the Lassen County Jail for an outstanding warrant for a prior driving under the influence arrest and charges of evading a police officer,driving under the influence, driving on a suspended driver’s license and no proof of insurance.

According to a press release from the CHP, at approximately 6:18 p.m. Sunday, June 17, an on-duty officer in a marked CHP unit was located on the northbound off-ramp on Highway 395 observing the stop sign at the intersection of Highways 395 and 70 at Hallelujah Junction.

According to the CHP, the officer accelerated from his position to follow the motorcycle as it entered northbound 395. At the top of the off-ramp, the officer saw the motorcycle accelerating rapidly away from the northbound traffic at a high rate of speed of 80 miles per hour (MPH) plus.

The officer positioned his vehicle behind the motorcycle and activated the overhead red emergency light.

According to the press release, Nishioka continued northbound about 3/4 to one mile before yielding to the right shoulder of the divided lanes. While they were on the shoulder, Nishioka slowed as if to stop but then accelerated rapidly back into the northbound lanes.

At that time, the officer activated his full overhead emergency lights with siren and advised the Susanville Communication Center that he was in pursuit.

Nishioka continued northbound on Highway 395 for approximately 20 miles at various speeds between 80 and 105 MPH, failing to yield to emergency equipment.

In addition to the high speed, the CHP said Nishioka was using both the northbound shoulder and southbound lane of the highway making unsafe passing maneuvers and on numerous occasions, making unsafe movements into the southbound lane in front of or directly next to on-comingvehicles.

Nishioka slowed as heneared Doyle Grade and then turned onto the road. While traversing the grade, Nishioka was traveling westbound in the eastbound lane and suddenly slowed drastically. While Nishioka was slowing, the press release said the CHP officer took the opportunity to pass him and position his unit to prevent any further escape.

While the officer positioned his vehicle, the CHP said Nishioka rapidly accelerated forward and portions of the motorcycle struck the left rear door/ window and left mirror of the patrol vehicle. The CHP said Nishioka fell to the dirt shoulder and was taken into custody. He was then treated at scene by paramedics and transported to BLMC before being booked into jail.