High-Speed Chase Over Stolen Leaf Blower Leads to Arrests

Police cars gather at the abandoned vehicle's location after the chase.

News Summary

A high-speed chase in Huntington Beach over a stolen leaf blower resulted in the arrest of two suspects and a temporary lockdown of nearby schools. The incident began with a report of theft from a gardener’s truck, and although the chase was called off due to dangerous driving, law enforcement later apprehended the suspects. The arrests raised concerns about theft and public safety in the community.

High-Speed Chase Over Stolen Leaf Blower Results in Arrests and School Lockdown in Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach experienced a tense situation on Friday morning when a high-speed chase over a stolen leaf blower led to the arrest of two individuals and prompted nearby schools to implement safety measures. The incident, which began around 8:45 a.m., unfolded in the vicinity of Yorktown Avenue and Goldenwest Street after officers were dispatched in response to a report of theft from a gardener’s truck.

The alleged thieves fled the area before police could arrive, but authorities received a description of their vehicle and a partial license plate number. Approximately 30 minutes later, an officer attempting to conduct a traffic stop on the identified vehicle initiated a chase, which was quickly canceled due to the erratic driving of the suspects as they approached downtown Huntington Beach.

After the chase was called off, the suspect’s vehicle was later found abandoned. Officers received assistance from witnesses in the area, who helped direct police towards the direction the suspects had fled.

As a precaution during the pursuit, Dwyer Middle School and Smith Elementary School were placed in a “shelter-in-place” status, allowing students and staff to remain safe inside the buildings until the situation was resolved.

Following a swift investigation, law enforcement officers arrested Clayton Lohman, 27, from Florida. He faces multiple charges, including:

Felon in possession of a firearm
Felony evading police
Petty theft
Conspiracy to commit a crime
Delaying or obstructing an officer
Possession of a loaded firearm in public

Upon his arrest, Lohman was found in possession of a loaded firearm. His criminal history includes previous arrests in Florida, specifically for theft related to leaf blowers, as well as an active warrant for drug possession in Texas.

In addition to Lohman, Kurstin Pulliam, 28, from Texas, was also taken into custody on charges of conspiracy to commit a crime and possession of a controlled substance without a prescription. Authorities recovered both the loaded firearm and the stolen leaf blower from the abandoned vehicle connected to the incident.

This high-speed chase and subsequent arrests highlight ongoing concerns regarding theft and public safety within the Huntington Beach community. Local authorities continue to address these issues as part of their commitment to keeping the community safe from crime.

As law enforcement works to gather further details around the incident and the suspects involved, the community remains alert to potential criminal activities related to property theft and the safety of local residents.