Man steals car less than hour after being released from jail in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A 32-year-old South Lake Tahoe man was arrested Saturday morning after leading police officers on a chase through town after allegedly stealing a car just 41 minutes after being released from jail.

Eric Daniel Beaman was first arrested by the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) late on Friday, April 5. He was booked on theft-related misdemeanor charges: Possession of Burglary Tools, Possession of Stolen Property, Receiving Stolen Property, and Possession of a Concealed Dirk or Dagar. Beaman was released by the El Dorado County Jail on his own recognizance a few hours later at 8:30 a.m. Saturday.

At 9:11 a.m. SLTPD received a call about a stolen car from the parking lot of the original Red Hut on Lake Tahoe Blvd. Officers picked up the car traveling on Wildwood Avenue and began pursuit. According to police Beaman was driving dangerously through the Ski Run Boulevard neighborhood at speeds up to 50-60 mph. Jason Cheney of SLTPD said they terminated the pursuit when Beaman's driving showed disregard for public safety.

Officers found the car abandoned near Pioneer Trail and Tamarack. Through witness accounts and surveillance they later found Beaman at a home on Sacramento Avenue. He was arrested after being identified by the stolen vehicle victim and witnesses.

Beaman is back in jail today on felony charges of Evading Police: Disregard for Safety, Being Arrested after Cite and Release and a bail enhancement. His total bail is $140,000.