Alleged Aptos Bike Thief Crashes Stolen Truck Into Hillside During Getaway

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY - A man who allegedly stole an expensive bicycle out of a resident's garage crashed the truck he was driving into a hillside during his getaway.

According to information posted Friday by the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Department, deputies were first called to a Seacliff Drive home, where a resident reported that he had interrupted a person stealing items from the garage.

Investigators say the resident followed the alleged perpetrator as the thief fled and provided deputies with information as they began a chase.

Deputies say the suspect, later identified as Isaiah Zepeda, accelerated at a high rate of speed when he saw officers pursuing him.

After a short chase, deputies say Zepeda crashed the truck - later found to be stolen - into a hillside on Mar Monte Avenue at Robak Avenue, south of Aptos.

Authorities say Zepeda was trapped in the truck after the crash. The Aptos Fire Department was alerted and ultimately extricated Zepeda, according to authorities.

He was transported to the hospital for treatment.

Deputies say they found the expensive bicycle Zepeda allegedly took from the victim’s garage and returned it to the owner.

The Sheriff's Office has not yet detailed what charges might be filed against Zepeda in the case.

-images via Santa Cruz Sheriff's Office