DANVILLE, CALIFORNIA – Danville Police have released additional information on the wrong-way driving crash that closed the I-680 on-ramp for about two hours Monday afternoon.
At approximately 3:28 p.m., Danville police were alerted by an automatic license plate reader to a Honda that was linked to a shoplifting incident in Danville, a police statement said. Officers found the Honda heading toward I-680 on Diablo Road and identified the driver as 23-year-old Deonte Bell of Sacramento. Police say Bell has an outstanding warrant for his arrest for a previous theft from BevMo in Danville.
A Danville police officer attempted to make a traffic stop on I-680 near Diablo Road, but Bell did not stop. He took the Sycamore Valley exit and then headed north on southbound I-680. For safety reasons, officers did not follow him.
Another officer traveling south on I-680 was struck by Bell’s Honda as it was traveling the wrong way. Both the Honda and the patrol car were disabled. Bell fled on foot while the passenger, 25-year-old Cherridy Colter of Sacramento, was arrested at the scene.
Danville police issued a public alert for Bell, who was eventually arrested near El Rincon Road and La Questa Drive in Danville. The roads were reopened at 5:25 p.m.
Bell was arrested at the Martinez Detention Facility on charges of burglary, theft, conspiracy, fleeing from a crime, hit and run, and resisting arrest. Cassidy was arrested on charges of burglary, theft, conspiracy, and violating probation.
Police said no further information is available at this time. Anyone with information is asked to contact DPD Lt. Heather Transue at [email protected] or 925-314-3702.
