Driver leads Douglas County deputies into South Lake Tahoe at speeds up to 100 mph

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A vehicle pursuit from the Douglas County side of the state line into South Lake Tahoe Sunday led to the apprehension of a 19-year-old man and a 14-year-old juvenile.

On December 6, 2020 at approximately 10:38 p.m., a deputy from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office (DCSO) traveling east on US50 near Lake Village saw a gray Toyota Corolla heading in the other direction at a high rate of speed. The deputy saw the driver of the Corolla sedan cross over the double lines so he turned his patrol car around and started pursuit to initiate a traffic enforcement stop. The driver of the Corolla failed to yield and continued through the casino corridor at a reported 100 mph. The deputy said there were no pedestrians and very few cars so continued the pursuit. At Stateline Avenue the deputy said the suspect's vehicle attempted to turn right onto Stateline Avenue but a car was making a turn in the intersection so the driver of the sedan slammed on its brakes, almost crashing into the turning car, according to DCSO.

The pursuit continued into South Lake Tahoe with the sedan running two red lights according to the DCSO report. The speeding car turned into the Al Tahoe neighborhood where the South Lake Tahoe Police Department joined them. The driver of the sedan went to the end of Lakeview Avenue where the road ends at a condominium complex and parking lot.

The 14-year-old occupant of the car got out and ran. The 19-year-old driver from Zephyr Cove, Jiovani Covarrubias, stayed with the vehicle and attempted to flee, according to DCSO. Two deputies blocked the road and Covarrubias got out of the car and also ran. Law enforcement asked them to stop, they didn't, and foot pursuit ensued. Both of the suspects were caught and arrested.

It turns out the car the pair were in was stolen from a home on Lakeview December 5th.

Covarrubias is currently in the El Dorado County Jail on charges of Evading Police, Taking a Vehicle Without Consent, Evading With Disregard of Public Safety, Child Cruelty. His bail has been set at $750,000.

DCSO turned over the case to the Douglas County District Attorney's Office for review on charges there including reckless driving, driving speed 75 miles over posted speed limit, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.