Clearlake man arrested on DUI charges after high-speed chase

A Clearlake man admitted to drinking alcohol and smoking meth after leading a Lake County authorities on a chase on Highway 53 Sunday night, authorities said.

Ronald Raymond Antoni, 65, was taken into custody in the Adventist Health Clear Lake parking lot on suspicion of evading police, reckless driving, resisting arrest and driving under the influence, Lake County Sheriff’s spokesman Corey Paulich said in a statement.

Antoni told law enforcement he did not stop because he was “frightened and attempting to go to the hospital,” Paulich said. Antoni was arrested by Clearlake police for a DUI two days earlier.

A sheriffs deputy patrolling Highway 53 spotted Antoni’s green Honda Civic around 9:20 p.m. Sunday. Police dispatchers had received reports of an intoxicated driver with his vehicle description.

The deputy passed the car and pulled onto the shoulder, Paulich said. Antoni parked in front of the deputy. When the official approached the passenger door and attempted to open it, Antoni drove off.

The deputy continued to pursue Antoni, turning on lights and sirens after the suspect made an illegal U-turn and drove off the roadway before continuing south at 80 mph, 35 mph higher than the speed limit.

Antoni complied with police orders and got out of his vehicle when he pulled into the hospital parking lot, Paulich said. CHP and Clearlake police helped with the arrest.

Antoni was still in custody at the Lake County Jail Wednesday with bail set at $35,000.