Chaos erupted at a San Mateo Cruise Night event last Saturday as a driver’s attempt to evade police brought danger and disorder to the streets. The annual car showcase along S. El Camino Real turned from a celebration of automotive culture into a scene of crime and reckless endangerment when Ronald Wetzel, a 34-year-old Fremont resident, made an illegal maneuver and attempted to flee from police, as reported in a San Mateo Police Department social media post.
The San Mateo Police Department’s Crime Reduction Unit was patrolling the event when they witnessed Wetzel’s Buick perform an illegal U-turn, nearly causing several accidents, as he fled the officers. He drove recklessly into oncoming traffic, running a red light. The situation became so perilous that police were forced to end the chase, citing public safety concerns. Further down the route, a Traffic Officer on a motorcycle witnessed Wetzel swerve around halted vehicles and run another red light; despite the officer’s efforts to apprehend him, Wetzel continued to evade. In the process, he side-swiped another car and nearly caused a collision by abruptly braking in front of the pursuing officer.
The high-speed escape came to a halt when congested traffic at 20th Ave. and S. El Camino Real cornered Wetzel’s vehicle, allowing officers to detain him and his two passengers. Inside the car, police found an unloaded “ghost gun,” magazines, and extra ammunition. Upon further investigation, it was revealed that Wetzel showed signs of intoxication, with a blood alcohol concentration of .17%, and he was wanted on an existing arrest warrant…