Two jump from moving car during Riverside traffic stop, both arrested

Ruben Bautista was arrested by Riverside Police officers after he jumped from a moving vehicle and attempted to flee during a traffic stop.

RIVERSIDE – Officers from Riverside Police Department got a surprise when they attempted to stop a vehicle for a minor vehicle code violation Sunday, July 3,  and the driver and passenger both jumped from the car as it was still moving and fled on foot. Despite their attempt to flee from the officer, officers apprehended both subjects they were both arrested.

The unexpected incident occurred at about 9:45 a.m., when a patrol officer conducted a traffic stop on a car at Andrew Street and Farnham Place after observing a vehicle code violation.

As the vehicle pulled over and appeared to be yielding to the officer, the driver and passenger both unexpectedly jumped from the still moving vehicle. The driverless car eventually crashed into a light pole.

Officers quickly caught and detained the fleeing occupants without further incident. Officers determined the driver was an adult and his passenger was a minor.

Officers conducted a records check and learned the driver, identified as Ruben Anthony Bautista, 21, of Riverside, had four felony arrest warrants for auto theft related offenses. Bautista was arrested for his warrants.

The juvenile passenger was found to be in possession of burglary tools, as well as personal documents and a checkbook belonging to someone else. He was arrested and later released to his parents. Officers will be filing identity theft and possession of burglary tools charges against the young offender in juvenile court.

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