Douglas County chase into Carson City results in arrest

An early Monday morning chase that started in Carson Valley Plaza resulted in the arrest of a Reno man in Carson City.

Donald Robertson, 22, was booked into Douglas County Jail facing several charges after deputies spotted a Toyota Highlander making its way behind the plaza’s stores at 2:22 a.m.

The plaza has seen several commercial burglaries where someone forced entry.

By the time the deputy was in the fire lane behind the stores, the driver of the Highlander had shut off its head and tail lights as it continued to travel slowly behind the stores.

The deputy activated his lights, but the driver of the Highlander, later identified as Robertson, didn’t stop. He drove around and crossed the parking lot as the deputy followed him with lights and sirens. He ran the red light at Topsy and then again onto Highway 395, according to the Douglas County Sheriff’s report.

Robertson accelerated northbound on 395 to speeds of up to 100 mph driving into Carson City and onto Sonoma and then back onto 395 as Washoe Tribe Police and Carson City Sheriff’s deputies arrived to help.

Robertson led authorities onto South Stewart Street hitting several medians causing the Highlander’s tires to stat to deflate. He turned left onto Roop Street toward Winnie Lane. The Highlander rammed a Washoe Tribe Police vehicle, turning around facing soutbound on Roop Street and struck the Douglas deputy head on, damaging the bumper and grill.

The deputy hopped out of the patrol vehicle and drew his weapon, arresting Robertson and his passenger, Jessica DeMarco.

Robertson claimed he thought he was being followed by gang members, and that he purchased the Highlander from “a lady.”

After doing a background check on the vehicle, it was discovered that it had been taken from a parking lot at St. Mary’s Hospital where the woman who owned it had driven it to work. She checked in the parking lot, and it was gone.

During a search of the Highlander, authorities found a crowbar, wire cutters, pliers and other tools commonly used in burglaries.

According to the report, several pipes typically used to smoke methamphetamine were also found.