Alameda County prosecutors on Thursday charged one man in connection with a sideshow that halted traffic on the Bay Bridge on Sunday, as authorities consider charges against at least nine others. Jose Mendoza, 30, was charged with two counts of felony evasion and one misdemeanor count of battery of a police officer in connection with the May 3 sideshow involving 77 dirtbikes and all-terrain vehicles.
Police said officers tried to detain Mendoza, but he allegedly ignored their commands, attempted to flee and tried to strike an officer. Mendoza allegedly drove recklessly and sped through a section of the bridge blocked by police, all while being pursued by the California Highway Patrol. Prosecutors said that Mendoza was driving with “willful and wanton disregard for the safety of officers and the public.”“This conduct created an extremely dangerous situation for law enforcement officers and snarled traffic on the Bay Bridge,” District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson said Thursday.Mendoza had been on felony probation at the time of the arrest, and prosecutors have sought to revoke his probation.
At least nine others are facing charges, as Oakland police continue the investigation…