• 2025-09-29 23:27:50
• Drug Abuse

MURRIETA, CA — A weekend police chase that began in Temecula ended in Murrieta with a crash on Whitewood Road, though no serious injuries were reported.

The incident unfurled at about 6 p.m. Sunday after Riverside County sheriff's deputies were dispatched to the 29000 block of Rancho California Road in Temecula regarding a dispute.

The caller reported that a man he knew was refusing to get out of his vehicle, according to sheriff's Sgt. Wenndy Brito-Gonzalez.

While still on the phone, the caller told authorities that the man was trying to fight him, took his car keys, and drove away, the sergeant said.

Deputies quickly tracked the suspect down to the area of Ynez Road and Overland Drive in Temecula, but the suspect fled onto northbound Interstate 15 and a police chase began.

The pursuit ended at Whitewood Road and Meadowlark Lane in Murrieta after the suspect collided with another vehicle, according to Brito-Gonzalez.

The suspect took off running after the crash, but deputies caught up to him and arrested him. He was identified as 20-year-old Daniel Jsean Hankins of Rialto.

No significant injuries were reported as a result of the collision, Brito-Gonzalez said.

Jail records show Hankins remained in custody Monday at Banning's Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility on suspicion of carjacking, evading police, obstruction and vandalism. He is being held in lieu of $100,000 bail and is due in court Wednesday.

Southbound Whitewood Road from Keller Road to Meadowlark Lane was closed during an investigation into the incident. The road was reported reopened at 9 p.m.