El Dorado Hills school counselor hurt in crash during police chase

A Placerville man is facing a slew of felony charges after he allegedly kidnapped his ex-girlfriend, stole a car and crashed into a vehicle being driven by an El Dorado Hills school counselor.

At 12:28 p.m. Wednesday, September 6, Placerville Police officers were dispatched to a report of a kidnapping and vehicle theft. At the scene, officers spoke with the female victim who told them she had been in the passenger side of her mother's Volkswagen Beetle when 21-year-old Justin Jefford got into the driver's side and drove away. She told officers Jefford drove her to the Shingle Springs area against her will refusing to let her out of the vehicle. Once Jefford stopped and got out of the vehicle, the victim fled the vehicle, hiding from the suspect and ran to safety. The victim was able to call law enforcement and the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office located her.

A Placerville Police officer spotted the stolen vehicle at 4:08 p.m., drove behind the Beetle and put on his lights and siren. Jefford failed to pull over and continued to drive on Placerville Drive to Green Valley Road.

According to police reports, Jefford continued to flee westbound on Green Valley Road. The officer continued to pursue the vehicle and lost sight around a corner just west of Green Stone Road. Shortly after, Jefford crossed into the opposing lane and crashed into on oncoming vehicle driven by a counselor at Marina Village Middle School.

She suffered major injuries and was airlifted to Sutter Memorial Hospital where she was listed in critical condition.

Jefford sustained major injuries and were transported to a Sacramento area hospital. He will be booked on charges upon release. He is facing felony charges of kidnapping, stolen vehicle, evading a police officer, and violation of probation. Jefford's prior criminal conviction sentenced him to prison, however due to realignment, AB 109, he was released and placed on probation in El Dorado County.