Man Flees Into Water After Driving Into Female, Has To Be Rescued

SONOMA COUNTY (CBS SF) -- Authorities said a search for a suspect that shut down lanes of Highway 37 near Highway 121 at the Sonoma County line Wednesday afternoon became a rescue operation after the suspect jumped into the water nearby.

The Marin CHP office told KPIX 5 the activity was connected to a pursuit in which the driver pulled over on Highway 37 and fled on foot into the nearby brush.

The suspect was identified as 29-year-old Adam Banks of Maryland.

CHP was chasing Banks's car, a PT Cruiser, after receiving calls that of domestic violence occurring in a moving vehicle. When officers were in pursuit, the vehicle's front tire went flat.

Banks then reportedly drove his vehicle into the female passenger he had with him and struck her, causing moderate injuries. She was transported to Vallejo for treatment.

Then, Banks drove his vehicle into a CHP patrol car. The officer inside the car was not injured.

At 3:19 p.m., CHP issued a severe traffic alert due to the police activity on eastbound lanes in the area of Highway 37 and Skaggs Island Road not far from Highway 121. Authorities said all lanes in both directions were currently blocked.

About 20 minutes later, officials reported that all lanes had reopened, though the search for Banks had become a rescue after he jumped into the water and got stuck in the mud.

Chopper 5 video showed CHP and sheriff's deputies taking Banks into custody after he had been pulled from the water. He was given a blanket and placed on a gurney before being taken away in an ambulance.

Banks was charged with felony assault with a deadly weapon, kidnapping and domestic violence.

Authorities said drivers in the area should expect some residual delays. Video from Chopper 5 showed there were still significant back-ups due to the earlier closure and the numerous CHP and fire vehicles at the scene.

In:
• Highway 37
• CHP
• Sonoma County