Man rams CHP car during chase

By Victor A. Patton
vpatton@mercedsun-star.com

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MERCED — A 46-year-old Merced man was arrested Friday on suspicion of driving under the influence and other charges after he allegedly led officers in a pursuit and rammed a patrol car.

According to the California Highway Patrol, at 7:53 p.m. officer Collin Lowry spotted Bart Carter driving east on Santa Fe Drive, west of Highway 59.

The officer followed Carter's 2004 Toyota pickup and stopped him on Highway 59. As the officer approached the right side of Carter's truck, the suspect sped away, according to officer Shane Ferriera, CHP spokesman.

The suspect headed east on Buena Vista Drive at high speed and moved along several streets in North Merced. During the chase, Carter passed through several stoplights and stop signs, Ferriera said.

During the five-mile chase, Carter entered three cul-de-sacs and attempted to turn around and flee. Each time, he turned the truck around and intentionally slammed into the officers' patrol car, causing moderate damage, Ferriera said.

After the third impact, the officer lost sight of Carter, who sped away, Ferriera said.

However, the officer had taken down the truck's license plate.

Officers traced the license plate to Carter's home in the 1100 block of Quail Court in Merced. After officers arrived at the home, Carter was taken into custody. Ferriera said.

While being taken into custody, Carter struggled briefly with the officers, Ferriera said. Lowry suffered minor injuries as a result of the struggle, Ferriera said.

Ferriera said the officers could smell alcohol on Carter's breath, and he was given a blood test.

Carter was booked at Merced County Jail on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer, felony evading, DUI and resisting arrest. He's being held in lieu of $93,000 bail.