Car theft is a massive problem that shows no signs of improving. Of course, law enforcement has several ways to track down stolen vehicles, but this process typically takes a while, leaving the owner without a car. Recently, police tried to conduct a traffic stop on a stolen vehicle, and the driver led them on a long chase. Naturally, he ended up with multiple charges. 

Committing car theft and acting suspiciously during a traffic stop are two of the worst things a person can do

According to Fox 6 Now, New Berlin police recently noticed a driver displaying suspicious behavior. Specifically, the car was driving below the speed limit and had broken the center lane. Notably, the speed limit was 40 mph, and the driver went between 29 and 33 mph. This prompted the officer to conduct a traffic stop to ensure everything was okay. 

Luckily, the driver didn’t evade the traffic stop at first. Instead, he pulled over. However, he exhibited strange behavior as he put both hands up when the police approached the car and allegedly slurred the words, “I’m sorry.” The officer then told the driver to put the car in park. This is where things took a turn. He turned off the e-brake and then drove off. 

After the traffic stop, the police learned that the driver was Edgar Ponce. Things got more intense as the chase started, with Edgar quickly reaching speeds of 100 mph. The chase occurred at night, and he even turned off his lights to evade the cops. He committed several dangerous acts during this time, including running traffic lights. They eventually used a PIT maneuver to stop him after ten and a half miles. Law enforcement later learned he had been involved in other crimes, including stealing the car.

In the end, Edgar was charged with attempting to flee or elude an officer, second-degree recklessly endangering safety, operating a motor vehicle without owner’s consent, and Misdemeanor bail jumping. His bond was set for $50,000.