Leaf Blower Thieves Arrested After High-Speed Chase

News Summary

A quick-thinking police response led to the arrest of two suspects involved in the theft of a leaf blower after a high-speed chase in Huntington Beach. The incident escalated local school safety protocols as officers pursued the culprits who fled their vehicle. Both suspects, identified as a man from Florida and a woman from Texas, face multiple charges, including possession of a firearm and conspiracy. The investigation continues as police look into potential connections to other thefts in the area.

Huntington Beach, California

A serial leaf blower thief and his accomplice were arrested following a high-speed chase on June 13, 2025, which prompted local schools to initiate safety protocols. The incident began around 8:45 a.m. when police received reports of a theft from a gardener’s truck at the intersection of Yorktown Avenue and Goldenwest Street. Witnesses reported that the suspects had stolen a leaf blower just before police arrived on the scene.

Using descriptions from witnesses, officers located the suspect vehicle approximately 30 minutes later. When an officer attempted to pull the vehicle over, the suspects fled, leading to a high-speed pursuit. However, due to the suspects’ erratic driving, the pursuit was quickly canceled. The vehicle was later found abandoned nearby, prompting police to initiate a search for the suspects.

In light of the ongoing police activity, Dwyer Middle School and Smith Elementary School entered a shelter-in-place mode for the safety of students and staff. Authorities set up a containment area to facilitate the search, which ultimately led to the apprehension of both suspects.

Arrests and Charges

Both suspects were taken into custody and identified as Clayton Lohman, 27, from Florida, and Kurstin Pulliam, 28, from Texas. A loaded firearm and the stolen leaf blower were recovered from their vehicle, raising serious concerns about their criminal intentions. Lohman, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is linked to previous arrests related to leaf blower thefts and is currently wanted in Texas for narcotics offenses.

Lohman has been booked on multiple charges including:

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

Pulliam faces charges for:

• Conspiracy to commit a crime
• Possession of a controlled substance without a prescription

Investigation Ongoing

The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with the Huntington Beach Police Department conducting further inquiries into the suspects’ activities and potential connections to broader criminal patterns. Community members have been urged to report any information related to suspicious activity in the area, especially regarding ongoing cases of theft.

The swift response by law enforcement and collaboration with local schools ensured the safety of students and minimized disruption in the community during this alarming incident. While the immediate threat has been neutralized with the arrests, the authorities remain vigilant as they continue to address local crime issues.

This incident serves as a reminder of the persistent issue of thefts in suburban neighborhoods and the importance of community awareness and cooperation in combating such acts. Residents are encouraged to remain alert and proactive in reporting any suspicious behavior to local law enforcement.

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Additional Resources

• KTLA News
• Los Angeles Times
• MSN News
• Google Search: Huntington Beach Leaf Blower Theft
• New Santa Ana
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Theft