Chase ends in felony arrest

A California man wanted for questioning in a homicide there was arrested early Thursday morning following a car pursuit that spanned three counties and reached speeds up to 100 mph.

Robert Anibal Ortega, 27, of Tracy, Calif., was arrested at Plymouth and Highway 395, after a 20-minute minute chase through Washoe, Carson City and Douglas counties.

Ortega was first spotted speeding about 12:45 a.m. on Highway 395 south of the Mount Rose Junction. When a Nevada Highway Patrol trooper turned on his lights, the 2001 Mitsubishi four-door sedan sped away, said Trooper Pat McGill of the Nevada Highway Patrol.

During the chase law enforcement discovered the car was stolen out of Hayward.

McGill said speeds through Washoe Valley reached 100 miles per hour.

In an attempt to stop the vehicle, troopers deployed spike strips at the top of Lakeview Hill, he said.

Despite the left front tire being blown on the car, McGill said, Ortega drove 50 mph through Carson City, losing the tire along the way.

He eventually lost control and crashed into a ravine on Highway 395 near Plymouth Lane.

Ortega was arrested shortly after 1 a.m. and taken to Carson-Tahoe Hospital where he was treated for minor injuries. He was booked into the Douglas County Jail at about 6 a.m. on suspicion of eluding, possession of methamphetamine, possession of stolen property, speeding and reckless driving.

Authorities in Pleasanton are looking to question Ortega in connection with a Christmas Eve killing.

Samuel Davis Williams Jr., was found shot to death inside a car following an accident on Interstate 580.

Williams' girlfriend Jessica Paulite, 24, was arrested on suspicion of murder.