August 20, 2003

Injury Collision While Suspect Flees Police

The Lodi Police Department is investigating an injury traffic collision that occurred after a suspect fought with and fled from a police officer during a traffic stop.   The driver/suspect is in custody, and a female passenger is hospitalized with serious injuries.   

The incident began at 6:58 PM, Tuesday, 8-19-03, when Officer Gary Fauth made a traffic enforcement stop of a vehicle in the parking lot of Tokay Liquors at 2 E. Lockeford in Lodi.  Officer Fauth contacted the driver, Larry Requedo Jr., DOB 1-28-72, of 19690 N Hwy 99, Acampo.  When the dispatcher called Officer Fauth to advise him of an outstanding warrant for Requedo, the suspect suddenly started his car and reached for the gearshift.  Officer Fauth attempted to stop Requedo, and a struggle ensued, during which Requedo kicked the officer in the abdomen.   In spite of the officer’s efforts, the suspect was eventually able to get the car into drive and drove off at high speed, with Officer Fauth falling from the car to the pavement after a short distance.   The suspect continued to accelerate to the rear of the parking lot and onto the Union Pacific Railroad right-of-way.  After traveling south almost a block along the tracks, Requedo attempted to turn onto eastbound Locust Street.  He was unable to complete the turn, due largely to his high speed, and crashed into a power pole just east of the tracks.  Requedo abandoned his car and ran away on foot.  Officer Fauth, who had returned to his patrol car, found him a short distance away hiding beneath a car.  The suspect attempted to run again, but was captured without a struggle by Fauth and assisting officers.

Officer Fauth received minor injuries as a result of Requedo’s actions, but was able to immediately return to duty.  The passenger in Requedo’s vehicle was Glenda Darleen Wallace, age 39, of 220 Flora St.  She was taken by ambulance from the scene of the collision and was hospitalized with serious injuries.  Requedo suffered minor injuries in the collision and was also taken to the hospital for treatment.  No one else was hurt.   Requedo was later booked into Lodi City Jail on the following charges: Assault with Deadly Weapon (vehicle) on a Peace Officer, Battery on Peace Officer, Resisting Arrest, Driving on a Suspended License, Expired Registration, and a Petty Theft warrant out of Stockton.  A felony charge of Hit and Run is pending investigation.  At this writing, the Lodi Police Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) is on the scene conducting a detailed examination.

Contact: Sgt. William Barry at 209-329-2966 or the Watch Commander at 209-333-6730.