High Speed Chase Leaves Path of Destruction in North Valley

By KSEE News

August 17, 2012 Updated Aug 17, 2012 at 4:05 PM PDT

A high speed chase in the north valley left a path of destruction across a portion of Merced County.

It happened Thursday afternoon in and around Merced after a truck was reported stolen. Deputies spotted and tried to stop the truck, but the driver bolted - reaching speeds of more that 100 miles per hour - on country roads, canal banks, and through orchards.

During the 40 minute ordeal, the suspect hit a Merced sheriff's unit which was destroyed after it caught fire.

The suspect also drove onto the grounds at the Merced Airport and across a school playground where children were playing.

The chase ended when the suspect ran from the truck and dove into a canal. Deputies entered the water and arrested 28-year-old James Corbin.

No one was hurt during the incident, however several police cruisers were struck or damaged during the pursuit.

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