Contra Costa highway pursuit ends in arrest of a stolen vehicle suspect

Antioch, California – In the early hours of Sunday, July 2, 2023, a deputy from the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department identified a stolen vehicle on Willow Pass Road, near the on-ramp to westbound Highway 4. The incident occurred approximately at 1:45 AM.

Upon locating the stolen vehicle, the deputy attempted to initiate a stop. However, the vehicle failed to comply, resulting in a pursuit. The chase initially headed west, and subsequently shifted east on Highway 4.

At the juncture of Christie Road, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) assumed responsibility for the pursuit and implemented a strategic use of spike strips to halt the suspect’s vehicle.

Following the deployment of the spike strips, the suspect vehicle was compelled to stop at the exit of San Marco Boulevard.

The driver of the vehicle was subsequently apprehended. A search of the vehicle revealed the presence of a loaded assault pistol, notably devoid of any identifiable serial numbers.

Authorities have identified the suspect as 33-year-old Artis Crenshaw, a resident of Antioch city. Crenshaw has been charged with felony evasion, possession of a stolen vehicle, and weapons violations.

Importantly, no injuries were reported throughout the incident. Click here to watch the pursuit.

The California Highway Patrol issued the following statement regarding the pursuit:

In the early hours of the day, CHP Helicopter 30 provided aerial assistance to both the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office and Contra Costa CHP during a pursuit on Highway 4. The helicopter team kept a close eye on the suspect vehicle while officers on the ground deployed spike strips, effectively deflating the vehicle’s tires. As the suspect exited the freeway, he lost control and came to a halt on the shoulder. There were no injuries. The suspect was subsequently arrested. The Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department is in charge of investigating the incident.