Man arrested after allegedly stealing car in Reno, leading officers to South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE CALIF. - A 35-year-old California man was arrested in South Lake Tahoe Wednesday morning after he allegedly stole a vehicle in Reno, Nevada.

Raheem Ahmed Hanif, from Rodeo, California, was allegedly inside a 2017 Jeep Renegade when the Lithia Jeep dealer in Reno opened for business on January 31. Hanif then drove the car off the lot when the nighttime barriers were removed according to Officer Michael E. Brown of the California Highway Patrol (CHP) in South Lake Tahoe.

Truckee Police Department (TPD) has been advised the stolen car was heading in their direction as it was being tracked by its GPS system. TPD made a stop of the vehicle being driven by Hanif at State Route 89 and Deerfield Drive but Hanif fled in the vehicle. They took off after Hanif and the Jeep, but discontinued their pursuit at the Truckee city limits.

By using the Jeep’s GPS, the Jeep’s location was eventually discovered heading south on SR-89 from Tahoe City.

CHP officers from South Lake Tahoe responded to the west side of the lake on SR-89. The Jeep was located and they attempted an enforcement stop. The Jeep failed to stop and CHP continued to pursue it southbound on SR-89.

CHP and deputies from the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office utilized their spike strips and were successful in deflating the Jeep’s tires, however, the Jeep continued to move with CHP continuing the pursuit.

They then used a Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) maneuver of hitting and blocking in the car, and were successful in stopping Hanif. Officers gave commands for the suspect to exit the Jeep The driver did not comply and CHP officers eventually approached the Jeep, broke out the right front window, and unlocked the door.

Hanif was booked into the EL Dorado County Jail in South Lake Tahoe on charges of Vehicle Theft, Evading Peace Officer, Obstruction and a special enhancement on bail due to Hanif being a felon. Bail was set at $120,000.