Man arrested after fighting, fleeing from police

BARSTOW • Barstow Police arrested a 20-year-old man after a short foot chase early Tuesday morning.

Matthew Perez, of Barstow, was arrested on suspicion of resisting an officer by force, assault with a deadly weapon and criminal threats.

Cpl. Andrew Ellis pulled a car over for a traffic stop at the corner of East Williams and Seventh Streets, according to Sgt. Chris Kirby. When Ellis approached the vehicle he recognized Perez as a fugitive. Perez had active warrants  for assault with a deadly weapon and criminal threats.

Kirby said Perez fought Ellis and fled the area when Ellis attempted to arrest him. Barstow Police officers found Perez nearby, but he was able to escape again. Officers finally found Perez in a dumpster on the 700 block of East Main Street. Perez was arrested after another struggle with officers.

Ellis only suffered minor injuries in the fight according to Kirby.

Perez is currently being held at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga. His bail is set at $50,000.

Contact the writer:
(760) 256-4126 or dheldreth@desertdispatch.com