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Known Gang Member Leads Officers On Chase Through 3 Counties

VACAVILLE (CBS13) - Police apprehended an affiliated gang member Friday afternoon after leading police on a chase through three counties.

Around 3:30 p.m., an undercover officer in Vacaville witnessed what he believed was a drug deal between people in two vehicles, and began following one of the suspects in a silver Cadillac.

Police say the Cadillac, driven by known Sureno gang member Fernando Portal, drove onto eastbound Interstate 80 and began zigzagging in and out of traffic. The perusing officer then called for backup to stop the vehicle.

During the pursuit, Vacaville witnesses reported to police that Portal had thrown some items out of his car. In the area, authorities found a plastic bag with more than two ounces of methamphetamine.

Portal, who is currently on probation for DUI, drove through three counties, Solano, Yolo and Sacramento. California Highway Patrol officers then took over the pursuit after Portal crossed the Yolo Causeway towards Sacramento.

The suspect was able to elude pursuing officers when he exiting onto Northgate Boulevard. However, after driving into oncoming traffic, Portal struck another vehicle head-on. He would then flee on foot but was quickly apprehended.

Police returned Portal to Vacaville and booked him into Solano County Jail for driving on a suspended license, transportation of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine for sale, destruction of evidence, felony evading police, felony driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, probation violation, and an outstanding warrant for possession of illegal drugs.

Both the driver and passenger in the vehicle that Portal crashed into were taken to a nearby hospital. The driver sustained a substantial leg injury, police say.

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