2 Arrested After Scary Police Chase

Two men were arrested Monday night after a driver bolted from traffic stop in downtown Novato and nearly hit pursuing officers before being stopped in Ignacio, police said Tuesday.

Donald Smith, 32, of Novato and Giovanni Allison, 27, of Marin City face numerous charges following their booking at Marin County Jail, Novato police said.

At 4:50 p.m., a officer attempted to stop a car for a traffic violation in the 1700 block of Grant Avenue, but the driver — later identified as Smith — took off. During the chase, Allison tossed suspected narcotics out the window, according to Cpl. Chris Andres.

Smith jumped onto Highway 101 and headed north toward Sonoma County as more officers joined the chase. Smith reversed field when he got to Petaluma and drove back to Novato; police did not release the estimated speeds Smith reached on the highway. At one point in the pursuit, Smith steered the car toward another officer, forcing the cop to take evasive action.

The California Highway Patrol assumed control of the chase team and forced over Smith outside the Jack in the Box restaurant at the intersection of Enfrente Road and Ignacio Boulevard.

Smith, who listed his occupation as day laborer when he was booked, faces two felony charges — evading police with disregard for safety and assault with a deadly weapon — plus three misdemeanors and five traffic infractions. One of the misdemeanors was driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Allison faces charges of drug possession and destruction of evidence.

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