Transient arrested in Columbia following break-in, pursuit

Tuolumne County sheriff’s deputies arrested a transient accused of leading them on a high-speed pursuit and ramming two patrol cars.

Deputies were alerted to the suspect when a Columbia man heard someone breaking into his home on Howser Lane early Monday, according Sgt. Deborah Moss.

Deputies said the suspect stole the homeowner’s vehicle and, while attempting to escape, drove it into two occupied patrol vehicles.

Deputies gave chase as the suspect drove at unsafe speeds and crossed into oncoming traffic, Moss said.

The pursuit ended about four miles away when the stolen vehicle rolled down an embankment on Covington Mine Road.

Moss said the suspect was trying to kick out the car’s window when deputies surrounded the car. He also refused to show them his hands, she said.

Deputies used a Taser to detain the suspect.

Brandon Nelson, 26, was taken to Sonora Regional Medical Center to be medically cleared after being shocked by the Taser.

He was then booked into jail on suspicion of first-degree burglary, vehicle theft, possession of a stolen vehicle, assault with a deadly weapon, battery on a peace officer and evading arrest.

The deputies in the patrol cars that were hit were not injured.

This story was originally published November 23, 2015 at 6:26 PM with the headline "Transient arrested in Columbia following break-in, pursuit."