Watsonville, CA…On Monday, December 12th at approximately 2:30 a.m. a white Toyota Corolla was traveling northbound on SR-17 through the construction zone. The male driver out of Watsonville, California collided with approximately 40 of the 28″ reflective cones that were placed for a lane closure of the number two lane on SR-17 south of Sugarloaf Road. The driver also collided with a temporary metal sign. A CHP officer assisting CALTRANS observed the Corolla dragging cones and the metal signs.
The officer called for another officers assistance and both officers attempted to stop the Corolla on Laurel Road approximately .1 mile east of SR-17. The driver drove into a metal fence and attempted to flee by jumping over a fence and running on foot down a dirt road. The officers followed on foot and apprehended driver. The driver resisted and assaulted officers including kicking an officer before being restrained. Multiple agencies arrived on scene including Scotts Valley Police Department and Santa Cruz Sheriffs Department.The male driver was transported by AMR to Dominican Hospital where he was medically cleared. The driver, identified as Marko Manojlovic was booked into Santa Cruz County Jail for DUI, evading arrest, resisting arrest, and battery of a peace officer. It was determined that Manojlovic was under the influence of LSD which contributed to his aggressive assault of the Officer. The Officer was treated at the hospital for minor injuries and released.