(SitNews) Ketchikan, Alaska - Officers of the City of Ketchikan Police Department were dispatched to the 600 block of Park Avenue for an intoxicated driver on 07/01/18 at approximately 6:15 PM. According to a press release, when Sgt. Cheatam arrived and he saw the vehicle with Darren R. C. Baines, age 27, in the driver’s seat. According to the Officer's report, Baines put the vehicle in reverse, gunned the engine and struck a flag pole causing damage. Baines then drove forward trying to get around Sgt. Cheatam and struck Cheatam's marked police vehicle causing damage.

A vehicle pursuit ensued and Baines eluded officers. Citizen’s called the police department with information throughout the search. A person called shortly before 7:00 PM and stated the vehicle was in the Plaza Parking lot and saw Baines enter Safeway Grocery Store.

Sgt. Cheatam confirmed the vehicle was in the Plaza parking lot and went into Safeway. Officer Nichols was posted outside one store entrance and Officer Kowalski was posted on the other.

Sgt. Cheatam then entered the store and saw Baines walk out of the public bathroom area. Baines ran from Sgt. Cheatam and into a display, knocking merchandise to the ground. Baines continued running to the front of the store. Officer Nichols met Baines at the northwest entrance where Baines turned around and ran back into the store. Officer Nichols took Baines to the ground. Baines actively resisted arrest and according the press release, it took Officer Nichols, Sgt. Cheatam and Alaska State Trooper Kimura to take him into custody. A fruit display was damaged during the struggle.

The owner of the vehicle was located and reported it stolen. Baines was subsequently charged with Vehicle Theft in the First Degree, Felony Driving Under the Influence, Failure to Stop at the Direction of a Peace Officer in the First Degree, Leaving the Scene of a Damage Accident, Resisting or Interfering with Arrest and Driving While License Revoked.

Baines also had two outstanding Petition to Revoke Probation warrants for his arrest. He was transported to the state jail, booked and held on no bail.

Baines has three prior convictions for Vehicle Theft in the First Degree and two prior convictions Driving Under the Influence.

Editing by Mary Kauffman, SitNews

Source of News:

City of Ketchikan Police Department
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