Police use Taser on reckless and resistive driver after Danville pursuit

DANVILLE – A 53-year old Concord man was arrested Friday morning after a police pursuit on Camino Ramon.

Police Chief Allan Shields said the incident began around 11:23 am when police received calls from concerned residents about a reckless driver on El Capitan Drive near the Iron Horse Trail.

Callers reported the vehicle was driving at a high rate of speed with the driver’s door open. Officers located the vehicle a few moments later on Camino Ramon and attempted to stop it.

The driver of the vehicle fled from officers into oncoming lanes of traffic before making a U-turn near Sycamore Valley Road. The vehicle left the roadway and went over a curb before it finally stopped.

The suspect refused to exit the vehicle and physically resisted officers’ attempts to handcuff him. During the arrest, Shields said officer deployed a Taser, which is a battery-operated weapon that fires probes to cause temporary incapacitation.

The suspect sustained minor abrasions in the struggle and was treated by paramedics at the scene. He was identified as James Reidy, 53, of Concord.

Reidy is also being sought by Concord Police and the California Highway Patrol after he allegedly collided with several vehicles on I-680.

Reidy was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on charges of using his vehicle to flee police, driving the wrong way while fleeing police, driving under the influence of alcohol, and violating his probation.

Chief Shields said he was pleased the officers were able to get Reidy off the street as quickly as possible and expressed thanks for the residents who reported the reckless driving.

“This is another example of how the police/community partnership helps keep Danville safe,” Shields said. “The community members deserve credit for helping guide officers to the vehicle, which allowed us to bring this incident to a safe conclusion.”