Police: Rohnert Park man stole mother’s SUV,led officers on chase

A 24-year-old Rohnert Park man was arrested Saturday after police say he forced his way into his mother’s Rohnert Park home, destroyed property and took her SUV.

The call came in at 3:18 p.m., and within a few minutes officers found Zachary Delew driving the gold Honda Pilot, according to a release from the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety. Officers attempted to make a traffic stop, but instead of pulling over, Delew led police at speeds of up to 70 mph.

At some point in the chase, which led through Rohnert Park and Cotati, an officer pulled in front of the SUV to stop it, the release said. But Delew accelerated, crashing into the rear of the officer’s patrol car before merging onto southbound Highway 101.

Police said he headed south at speeds up to 90 mph, exiting at Petaluma Boulevard North, then north on Stony Point Road, before getting back on the highway.

He eventually pulled off the road next to the Petaluma Factory Outlets trying to drive into the parking lot, the release said, but the SUV got stuck in the mud.

Delew was taken to the Sonoma County Jail on suspicion of evading police, vehicle theft, assault with a deadly weapon, vandalism and violating probation.

You can reach Staff Writer Christi Warren at 707-521-5205 or christi.warren@pressdemocrat.com.