By Redaccion
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A documented Los Angeles gang member has been charged with multiple felonies following a high-speed chase that ended in a violent crash in Camarillo, authorities said.
Jalen Amir Yoakum, 24, of Lancaster, faces six felony charges, including evading police causing injury, reckless driving, and several firearm-related offenses. Prosecutors have also filed two misdemeanor hit-and-run charges and a count of petty theft. Special allegations, including a prior strike and an enhancement for great violence, have been added, according to Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko.
High-Speed Pursuit and Crash
The incident began on Jan. 24 when Ventura County sheriff’s deputies responded to a reported theft at a Target store in Camarillo. Surveillance footage allegedly showed Yoakum concealing merchandise and leaving without paying. When confronted by store security, he fled.
Detectives later spotted Yoakum’s vehicle nearby. When they attempted to stop him, authorities said he rammed into an undercover law enforcement vehicle before leading deputies on a dangerous high-speed pursuit.
The chase ended on Santa Rosa Road, where Yoakum crashed into two vehicles, flipping one and severely injuring its driver. Three other passengers in the vehicle also sustained injuries. Yoakum then attempted to flee on foot but was quickly apprehended, officials said.
Loaded Firearm Recovered
Authorities recovered a loaded firearm with an extended magazine near the crash site. Investigators believe Yoakum discarded the weapon during the pursuit. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms.
Yoakum also had outstanding warrants in Los Angeles County for robbery, gun possession, and a probation violation, prosecutors said.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Hayley Moyer, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Major Crimes Gangs Unit, is prosecuting the case.
Court Proceedings and Bail
Yoakum was arraigned on Jan. 30 and pleaded not guilty to all charges. He is scheduled for an early disposition conference on Feb. 10 at 1:30 p.m. in Ventura County Superior Court, courtroom 12.
He remains in custody at Ventura County Jail with bail set at $2 million.
