Car Theft Suspect Caught After Chase

An unemployed Port Hueneme man was arrested after allegedly stealing a car early Friday morning in Ventura and leading California Highway Patrol officers on a high-speed chase from Santa Barbara County to Ventura, authorities said.

Jess Randall Bewley, 29, was arrested about 3:45 a.m. after he was discovered hiding in the backyard of a home near El Medio Street and Ventura Avenue in west Ventura.

Bewley had failed to stop for officers who tried to pull him over on Highway 101 in Santa Barbara County south of Padre Juan Canyon, a CHP spokeswoman said.

Driving up to 115 mph, Bewley led officers into the city of Ventura, roaring up Ventura Avenue at speeds of up to 70 mph, running red lights along the way, the spokeswoman said.

Bewley turned into a residential neighborhood, drive down El Medio Street and stopped where the street dead ends, officials said, adding that he ran into the backyard of a nearby home where he was arrested.

He was booked into Ventura County Jail on charges of driving under the influence of a controlled substance, evading arrest and auto theft. His bail was set at $50,000.